We do not have a single Jewish community on campus. That isn’t realistic because the range of interests and passions is too broad. Instead, we aspire to support many small Jewish communities across campus. Some of these communities already exist and have existed for some time—such as a Jewish a cappella group and a Jewish fraternity—and new ones are created every year. Communities can be permanent or temporary. Sometimes, students form Jewish communities and need help with funding or logistics, and sometimes a single student wants to build or find a community of like-minded people. No matter what your situation, we can help!
Into social justice? Singing? Cooking? Jewish fraternity life? It’s all here, and if you don’t see anything you like you can always look to jFunds to start your own initiative!
Chicago Friends of Israel is a cultural and political organization that seeks to promote a pro-Israel message on and off the University of Chicago campus. They attempt to represent all of the many opinions and perspectives held by supporters of Israel. Their events, from free food on the quads to movie screenings to speeches by journalists and historians, are meant for everyone -- people with a long-standing love of Israel and people who are curious about the country.
To find out more, visit their website.
Chicago Rhythm and Jews is the premiere Jewish a cappella group at UChicago with a repertoire ranging from Israeli pop, oldies and contemporary songs, Jewish liturgical pieces, American pop songs, TV show themes, and everything in between. As active members of both the Hillel and the a cappella communities, they perform at a variety of events, ranging from the Great Latke-Hamentash Debate, the Jewish Collegiate Festival of Performing Arts (JCFPA), and campus venues such as the Smart Museum.
To find out more, visit their website.
Alpha Epsilon Pi is an international Jewish fraternity with dozens of chapters and thousands of current brothers and alumni. The Lambda Chapter is proud to offer an environment conducive for intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth for Jewish men to better articulate and involve themselves as members of our community.
In addition to Jewish philanthropic commitments such as ChaiLife Line and the Shaare Zedek hospital, the brothers of AEPi are deeply involved with various extracurricular activities. From Israeli action committees to tutoring programs, athletics, debate, and musical and stage performance, the Lambda Chapter looks to provide not only a social arrangement for our brothers, but an opportunity for self-expression within a non-judgmental and open network.
To find out more, visit their website.
Alpha Epsilon Pi Lambda Chapter
University of Chicago
Yavneh is a student-led Orthodox minyan based on the campus of the University of Chicago. They have daily prayer services, a breakfast club, and a number of other social events periodically throughout the year.
Please email Ilya Schwartzburg at igs@uchicago.edu for times, or if you have any other questions about Orthodox life at the U of C!
Jewish Action is a social justice student group that champions pragmatic activism on the University of Chicago campus, reflecting Judaism's strong commitment to putting beliefs into practice. JA believes that a well-rounded activism combines direct service with informed advocacy and so offers opportunities for both volunteer projects and education. We welcome members of the University of Chicago community from all denominational and political backgrounds, because Tikkun Olam--"repairing the world"--can and should apply to everyone. Join us and come take your Judaism to the streets!
JA meets Tuesdays at 6:00 PM at the Newberger Hillel Center. All are
welcome! (This time may change next year.)
For more information, please contact JA president, Talia Barzel, at barzel@uchicago.edu
Di Yidishe Kultur Club (Yiddish Culture Club) enables students to come together and cultivate their love of the Yiddish language and culture. We provide Yiddish activities for members and other interested people, some of which are designed for learners and speakers of Yiddish and some of which are targeted for the needs of the non-Yiddish-speaking Yiddish enthusiast.
Previous events include: Dance presentation at the Center for Eastern European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies Study Break; Yiddish Purim party; Yiddish Break Chicago (which involved about 50 students from around the country in a weekend of Yiddish-themed workshops and events).
Newberger Hillel Center • 5715 S. Woodlawn • Chicago, IL 60637 • office phone (773) 752-1127
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