We are building a generation of people who…
Create strong supportive social networks within the Jewish community
Participate in and contribute to Jewish community beyond graduation
Benefit from a Jewish mentor to help navigate life’s big questions
Joyfully, actively seek out Jewish experiences and learning
Embrace the rich array of Jewish diversity
Feel Jewishly obligated to create a more just world
Develop resiliency and the ability to handle discomfort and disagreement and find their own voice within those spaces
Have confidence in their individual Jewish autonomy and Judaism’s ability to be innovative as we carry Judaism into the future
Engage with Israel’s past, present and future
Jewish Learning Fellowship
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 10-week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms, and developing friendships with other students committed to engaging in similar exploration.
In addition to developing an intimate cohort of new friends, those who attend all sessions will receive stipends up to $300 based on cohort and past JLF participation. If you have to miss a session, you get one free pass, then $20 dollars are deducted for each additional missed session.
*JLF is generously supported through the Ruth Wenger & Jonathan Markowitz Family Endowment*
Civic Engagement Fellowship
The Civic Engagement Fellowship is an initiative created by JUF's Israel Education Center to proactively combat rising trends of antisemitism, by bringing together a diverse cohort to build strong relationships and work together on campus issues. The fellowship focuses on leadership through action with a hands-on approach to learning institutional advocacy and making a real impact on their campus communities.
Student leaders from diverse backgrounds, both Jewish and non-Jewish, met weekly to learn best practices for building coalitions, joining student government and campus committees, developing leaders to join the movement, and creating systematic change that will continue to help students years after they have finished the fellowship. Through collaborative activities, speakers, and lessons crafted by the Israel Education Center, this fellowship has forged strong lasting connections between the Jewish community, including Hillel and JUF, and emerging Jewish leaders on campus.
Israel Education
From Israeli culture programs, to birthright, to campus advocacy and deep learning opportunities, Metro Chicago Hillel offers many ways to get involved in Israel education and Israel advocacy.
The Israel Learning Fellowship (ILF) is a 10-week immersive cohort in which college students across Chicago engage in meaningful conversations around Israeli history and culture, and explore our different connections to the land and the people. This cohort is geared towards returning students who are looking to learn more about Israel and how it relates to their respective Jewish identities. Students who attend 8 of the 10 sessions will receive a $200 stipend upon completion of the course.
Bnai Mitzvah Class
Interested in having a bar or bat mitzvah? Metro Chicago Hillel staff is here to help! Reach out to one of our rabbis and they’ll help you plan your special day.
Rav Ezra | ezra@metrochicagohillel.org
Rav Jonathan | ravjonathan@metrochicagohillel.org
Rav Sarah | ravsarah@metrochicagohillel.org
Rav Moshe | ravmoshe@metrochicagohillel.org
Ask a Rabbi
Have something big happening in your life or just looking for someone to talk to? Our rabbinic staff are here to help and always excited to get to know you better!