The Wakschlags are a Jewish family full of love, compassion, and strength. Milt, a retired attorney and ordained rabbi, and Laurie, a professor and vice chair at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern University, live in Lincolnwood and have three adult children. Tmima (Mims) and Efraim (Fry) both have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Their daughter Shira and her husband, Eli Rosenblatt, have two daughters, Maerav and Bella. Bella is on the autism spectrum. 

Mims and Fry live in a JCFS Chicago-supported community integrated living home called Heichal, which means sanctuary or sacred dwelling, and reflects a safe and supportive space where residents are inspired to live full Jewish lives. Over the past 15 years they have thrived in Heichal, but homes that accommodated both men and women, met their traditional observance needs, and remained inclusive didn’t always exist. 

Coming from a place of strength and a desire to advance residential living opportunities, Milt and Laurie developed a neighbor-enriched model. In partnership with JCFS and local rabbis, they were instrumental in turning this vision into a reality. They identified and purchased the home that became Heichal, with separate floors for men and women to provide appropriate separation and privacy, as well as a shared kosher kitchen. 

Today Mims and Fry are both living full, active lives. Mims looks forward to big family simchas and loves all aspects of Jewish music, dancing, and community. Fry engages in daily prayer and socializing. 

Every Sunday three generations gather at Milt and Laurie’s home. Shira and Eli’s daughters add so much laughter and joy. Maerav loves working with kids, listening to music, and singing. Bella has the brightest smile and enjoys hugging the people she loves. 

Shira has always been interested in civil rights. Driven by her love for her siblings and her parents’ powerful example as advocates, she became an attorney. As Senior Executive Officer of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel at The Arc of the United States, she is an expert in disability rights law and impact litigation, focusing on protecting civil rights nationwide. Drawing from her experiences as a sibling, mother, and professional, Shira has become an incredible advocate for community inclusion at Chicago Jewish Day School, raising awareness and helping to make positive changes within her daughter’s school with support from her parents. 

As longtime, generous supporters of JCFS Chicago’s residential program, Milt and Laurie are part of the Hineni Leadership Circle, a giving community that recognizes and celebrates the generosity of our closest partners. They were honored with the JCFS What’s Possible award in 2017. Previously, Milt actively participated in the Supported Community Living Initiative that later became Encompass and Laurie was instrumental in creating vocational opportunities for young adults with disabilities.