What else: TheJMom.com
Matchmaking Mom's Way

What else:

Taglit-Birthright Israel is a FREE 10-day experience of a lifetime. If you are Jewish, 18-26 years old, and have never been on an organized peer program before - let your journey begin this summer!

With Shorashim you experience the adventure of Israel through the eyes of Israeli peers. Shorashim is the Taglit-Birthright Israel program where all groups travel for 10-days with Israelis your age. Visit http://israelwithisraelis.com for info.

What else:

Call for Participants 

This spring the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will host Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War. We are currently looking for photographs of Midwestern Jewish veterans in their WW II service uniforms. The images will be included on a “Wall of Honor” on a first come basis until we have 392 veterans. Each photo will be on display for one month, from February 17 - June 17, 2012, and then moved to a photo album in the gallery.

To participate in this exciting opportunity, you may either: email a high quality scan (7” x 5” @ 300dpi) to artifacts@ilhmec.org; or make an appointment to have the photo scanned at the Museum. Contact artifacts@ilhmec.org or call (847) 967-4816. Please do not come to the Museum without an appointment. Please include the name of the veteran, rank, branch of service, and Midwestern town.

Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War explores and celebrates the achievements of Jewish men and women who were part of the American war effort on and off of the battlefield. Through their artifacts, letters, and photographs, the “Greatest Generation” tells the stories of what the war was like for all its participants, and for Jews in particular. Ours To Fight For brings to life the actions and feelings of these courageous young men and women.

Where: JVS Career Planning Center, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook
When: January 26 thru February 16 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
What else: This four-week group, held on Thursday mornings, will provide strategies for becoming motivated, staying focused, managing stress and creating a job search action plan. Registration required. Call Roberta Glick, JVS Chicago, Career Counselor at (847) 412-4304.

What else:

Wednesday, February 1 | 6 p.m.
Ram Wheeling, 700 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling

Tuesday, February 7 | 6 p.m.
Red Canary, 695 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

Join Shorashim and JUF for a FREE happy hour to kickoff Taglit-Birthright Israel registration for Summer 2012! All alumni and friends are welcome (extra credit for bringing friends who are elibible for Taglit-Birthright Israel.)

Where: Oak Park Temple, 1235 N. Harlem Ave, Oak Park
When: Saturday, February 4 | 6:30 p.m.
What else:

As part of Oak Park Temple’s bi-annual auction, the temple will recreate the old Chicago neighborhood of Maxwell Street, the bustling intersection of ethnic cultures known for shops, pushcarts, food vendors, and the birth of the Chicago Blues. The auction, known as “Maxwell Street to the Gold Coast: Rags to Riches,” will benefit Oak Park Temple and Glasser Preschool.

Tickets: $40/individuals and $75/couples
Buy your tickets at auction.oakparktemple.com or call the Oak Park Temple office at 708-386-3937.

Where: QCDC, 4659 South Cottage Grove, Suite 204
When: Wednesday, February 8 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What else: Thinking about starting a business? Becoming an entrepreneur is an exciting career option, but it can seem a little mysterious. What it is it like to live the lifestyle in which your character traits could lead to your success? Explore your real goals, hidden talents, passions, assets and core skills. To RSVP contact Samantha Manuel at (312) 673-3433 or SamanthaManuel@jvschicago.org.

Where: Jewish Child & Family Services, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie
When: Thursdays, February 9 & 23 | 5:45 - 7 p.m.
What else: Social support group for adults with disabilities who are in their 20’s to 50’s. Group provides social support, conversation, and a safe environment to explore issues. 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. $7 per session fee. Contact Sheri Fox, LCSW, 847-412-4356. SheriFox@jcfs.org. www.jcfs.org

Where: Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton, Skokie, 1st Floor Book Room
When: Monday, February 13 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What else: This workshop will acquaint you with the basic procedures for opening a business in Illinois. You will also receive information designed to answer your questions about the legalities, regulations, and requirements of operating a small business. No charge. To RSVP contact Samantha Manuel at (312) 673-3433 or SamanthaManuel@jvschicago.org.

When: Tuesdays, February 14 - February 28 | 7:30 - 9 p.m.
What else:

Video attracts and converts casual browsers into solid leads and paying business customers. You are more likely to appear on page one of a Google search if you have video on your website. But, when people click on your site’s video, be ready to make a great first impression and connect with your prospects.

The workshop will help participants strategically plan for a video, create compelling content and presentation, produce a video, and effectively promote it with key words and social media.

Workshop participants will:
• Learn how web video has changed from video in the past.
• Develop targeted marketing messages and topics for videos.
• Participate in exercises so they can comfortably and effectively present themselves on video.
• Choose equipment.
• Produce and publish videos.
• Publicize them for the most views.

For more information and to sign up visit http://internetvideoworkshop.eventbrite.com/ or contact Israel Leichtman at 773-273-8536 or news@VideoMarketingChi.com.

Where: Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, 30 South Wells
When: Wednesday, February 15 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
What else:

Discover where it is heading and who is leading the charge in Chicago's explosive "Enterprise IT." Gartner, a leading IT think tank, has reported research that "projected spending for IT in 2012 is $2.7 trillion and cloud computing, mobile technology and social media are the three hottest areas..." Maybe having your head in the cloud is not such a bad thing!

Panel of Industry Experts:
LeAnne Tourtellotte, Vice President, Illinois Technology Association
Richard Sheridan, Sales Vice President, Salesforce.com
Sharon Garcia, manager, Employment Branding and Talent Partnerships, U.S. Cellular
Don Oehlert, Account Executive, LexTech Global Services
Chad Lilly, Technical Recruiter, LesTech Global Services
Paul Cameron, President and IT Recruiter, DriveStaff, Inc.

Moderators:
Linda Wolfe, Director Career Services, JVS Chicago
Jeff Blumenfeld, M.Ad.Ed. Career Counselor, JVS Chicago

Pre-event networking/recruiting with talent acquisition teams, bring your resumes: 4 - 5 p.m.

Registration required. Call 312-673-3400 or email carolmcdermott@jvschicago.org.

Where: JVS Chicago, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 700
When: Friday, February 17 | 1 - 3 p.m.
What else: How to define who you are, what you have to offer and how to convey your message to potential employers. Presented by JVS Chicago, Linda Wolfe, Director, Career Service and Wilma Nachsin, Career Counselor. Space is Limited. To RSVP call Carol McDermott at (312) 673-3400 or e-mail carolmcdermott@jvschicago.org. For all inquiries about this event, contact Sandra Saltzman, JEN Outreach Coordinator. Call (847) 745-5482 or e-mail sandrasaltzman@jvschicago.org.

What else:

Limmud Chicago is pleased to announce the Young Adult Initiative to provide significantly reduced registration fees for young adults aged 18 to 30 who wish to attend the Limmud Chicago 2012 conference. Young adults attending at reduced rates can participate in the Limmud volunticipation model by volunteering 2-3 hours during the day of the Conference. This is the first time Limmud Chicago has been able to subsidize registration thanks to generous funding provided by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and NEXT: A Division of the Birthright Israel Foundation.

Limmud is a volunteer run festival of Jewish learning and culture with over 80 sessions for participants to choose from. Select from a variety of sessions. Find out more about Jews and tattoos. Talk to a Jewish organic farmer about sustainable culture and practices. Participate in a discussion on Maimonides and contemporary spiritual questions. Find your “piece” with God.

Whatever your affiliation or orientation, Limmud has something for you. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow Jews from diverse backgrounds and learn from one another. In addition to learning sessions offered throughout the day an evening program will be offered with dinner and entertainment.

The conference this year will be held February 19, 2012, at the University of Illinois Chicago, convenient to public transportation. Parking is available for an additional $7.00. Visit www.limmudchicago.org for more information and to register.

The pricing structure for young adults will be:
$25.00 for all day conference program (regular cost of registration is $60.00 to $75.00)
$40.00 for day and evening program (regular cost $75.00 to 90.000)
$15.00 for evening program only (regular cost $18.00 to $20.00)

There are a limited number of reduced fee slots – register now!! 

Where: University of Illinois Chicago, UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted
When: February 19, 2012
What else:

Want to know more about Jewish body art, Jewish organic farming, Israel's social justice movement and what Maimonides thinks? What about being gay and being Jewish, Hebrew feminist poets, Jews and food and making "piece" with God? Come to the Limmud Chicago 2012 conference!

This is a unique day-long celebration of Jewish learning and culture, filled with lectures, discussion groups, workshops, films, exhibits and performances on a variety of Jewish topics as diverse as the participants. There are dozens of stimulating and thought provoking sessions to choose from.

Explore your faith. Challenge your ideas. Discover aspects of Judaism you didn't know existed. Connect with fellow Jews that you would ordinarily never meet. Agree and disagree in a respectful environment. Revitalize your Jewishness.

Limmud is the Hebrew word for "learning" and Limmud Chicago is part of an international, volunteer run movement which began in England in 1980 and has been replicated in over 50 cities throughout the world. Over 20,000 people, from every walk of life, background and religious affiliation have attended a Limmud event since it began. The aim of Limmud is to enable anyone who is interested in Judaism to come together to share their experiences and develop their enthusiasm for being Jewish.

An evening program with entertainment will also be presented. Parking and kosher meals will be provided and children's programming is offered. Registration fees range from $60.00 to $75.00. Reduced rates are available for young adults.

Wherever you are on your Jewish journey Limmud will take you one step further. Visit www.limmudchicago.org to register or volunteer for this remarkable event.

Where: Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton, Skokie
When: Monday, February 20 | 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
What else: Attendees network and share job search strategies and motivational tips with other job seekers. For more information call (847) 673-7774.

Where: JVS Chicago, 5150 Golf Rd., Skokie
When: Tuesday, February 21 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What else: What really sells and why? Presented by Roberta Glick, JVS Chicago, Career Counselor. Space is Limited. To RSVP call Carol McDermott at (312) 673-3400 or e-mail carolmcdermott@jvschicago.org. For all inquiries about this event, contact Sandra Saltzman, JEN Outreach Coordinator. Call (847) 745-5482 or e-mail sandrasaltzman@jvschicago.org.

Where: JVS Chicago, 216 W. Jackson, 2nd Floor Training Room
When: February 21, 23, 28 and March 1 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
What else: This 10-hour business planning course will give you the information and skills that you need in the four "CORE" elements of planning and sustaining a business: Plan for business success; Plan your business to meet the needs of the market place; Plan for your business cash flow needs; and Plan how your business will operate. $50, Discount of $10 if you RSVP by February 14. To RSVP contact Samantha Manuel at (312) 673-3433 or SamanthaManuel@jvschicago.org.

Where: Jewish Child & Family Services, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie
When: Sunday, February 26 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What else: Nechama is a workshop for grievers and their loved ones who have experienced a loss during the past four months. We will look at how Judaism lays the groundwork to comfort the bereaved through ritual and connection to other mourners. Participants will learn about the grief process, understand their grieving styles, coping mechanisms, and how to get and receive support from friends and loved ones. $15 session fee. Contact Elizabeth Siegel Cohen, LCSW, 847-745-5404, ElizabethCohen@jcfs.org. www.jcfs.org

Where: Chicago Hilton & Towers, 720 S Michigan Ave
When: Sunday, February 26 | 6:00 p.m.
What else:

Celebrating 30 Years of Service

Entertainment will be provided by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Neal Sedaka, and all proceeds will benefit Keshet’s educational scholarships, vocational training and recreational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Keshet has successfully integrated individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities in positive ways. This celebration will honor those in the community who have provided great support for the organization. This year's guests of honor are Scott and Debbie Rudin. Also being recognized for their contribution are Martin Samber and Designs for Dignity. Scheduled celebrity appearances at the event include Gabe Carimi of the Chicago Bears, along with a number of additional sports celebrities.

Individual tickets: $300
To purchase tickets or to receive more information, please call 847-205-1234 or visit www.keshet.org.

Where: Beth Emet, 1224 Dempster Street, Evanston
When: Tuesday, March 6 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
What else:

Registration opens December 12th for the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders upcoming screening programs for young Jewish adults. We are thrilled to announce that the Center is now offering an expanded panel of eighteen disorders. Join us in January or March for a subsidized screening program ($180 per person) which includes an educational presentation, dinner and screening. These tests usually cost over $3,000! Pre-registration is required. Please contact Taryn Brickman at Tarynbrickman@juf.org to learn more or visit our website at www.jewishgenetics.org.

Give the gift of health this Hanukah! The Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders is now offering gift certificates for its Genetic Education and Screening Program for Young Jewish Adults. Testing for genetic disorders can cost thousands of dollars, but the Center is able to offer a subsidized screening program for $180 per person. This gift certificate does not expire, which makes it a great gift for the young adult in your life! Please contact Taryn Brickman to learn more and order this special Hanukah gift today.

What else: Jewish Child & Family Services has launched the Access Team and 855-ASK-JCFS (855-275-5237), a single, toll-free number to access all of the many programs and services offered by JCFS across all locations. JCFS is the first and best connection to trusted, innovative care to meet the individualized needs of each child, teen, adult and family we serve, through Counseling & Support, Testing & Assessment, Special Education, Child Welfare, Services for People with Disabilities and more. The Access Team provides comprehensive access to services offered within JCFS, as well as linkage and referral to other resources in the community. A new email address, ASK@jcfs.org, also is available for those who prefer to contact the agency via email. Any questions? Just ask JCFS by calling 1-855-ASK-JCFS.

Where: JCFS, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie
What else: Jewish Child & Family Services offers free monthly/bimonthly community education on a variety of topics related to disability. CEUs and CPDUs are available for all presentations. Check our website, www.jcfs.org, or call to be placed on our mailing list. Contact Emily Tegenkamp, 773-467-3741.

Where: Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS), 3525 W. Peterson, Suite 400
When: Mondays, 3:30 - 5 p.m., ongoing weekly group
What else: Do you feel stuck, insecure, lonely or left out from the rest of the world? Learn skills to change your outlook and attitude. Join other adults in moving forward and addressing the challenges you face. Weekly group, $7 per session. Contact Tristin Goldberg, LCSW, 773-516-5549. www.jcfs.org