Jewish Community Programs

Dry January is a global movement where individuals and communities choose to abstain from alcohol for one month. Synagogues and communal organizations can participate in Dry January and send a message of support to those who wish to take a break from alcohol during this month in several meaningful ways.

Sadness, stress and anxiety are natural parts of the broad spectrum of human emotions. However, when someone you care about is struggling with these feelings, it’s natural to be concerned and want to help. Here’s what you need to know to support those who are struggling with their mental health.

In difficult times, we may find ourselves navigating a complex mix of uncertainty, anxiety, trauma and loss while also holding on to hope for a brighter future. Everyone faces challenges, but with the right tools and support, we can build resilience and pave the way for a more hopeful tomorrow.

Addiction is a challenge that affects millions in the United States, with 46.3 million people struggling with substance use disorders. In the Jewish community, however, addiction is often treated as a silent issue—something that feels isolated or exceptional.

A unique offering to JCFS Chicago’s chaplaincy program is a Russian Jewish chaplain who serves the Russian faction of the Jewish community and provides something they may not have experienced before: spirituality.

Grieving the loss of a close loved one is a profound and overwhelming experience. For young adults in their 20s and 30s, this journey can be especially disorienting.

When Larry’s wife Ardis died in late 2022, people suggested he try grief support...

“What I really appreciate about this group is that I get some insights and I can talk about my loss in a way that other people in the room understand,” Larry said

Death is a normal part of life. We all face it ourselves, and we all lose people about whom we care. But it is helpful to know how it affects us, as well as the helpful tools Jewish tradition in its wisdom has developed to guide us through these tough times.

In honor of National Recovery Month, we are sharing words that are both familiar and precious to those involved in a 12-Step recovery program.

In grief work, we often devote considerable time to discussing death, the loss of a beloved family member or a dear friend. But what about non-death losses? How does one grieve something that is undefined and intangible?