Programs and Services
We serve the local community in a variety of ways. Volunteers supported by CUJF staff are the primary mechanism for providing programs and services to involve, enrich, and benefit the local Jewish community.
Holocaust Education Center
The CUJF Holocaust Education committee serves as a resource to help school systems comply with the 1990 Illinois state mandate to teach about the Holocaust in fifth, eight, and tenth grades. The committee provides professional development, curricular materials, and classroom speakers.
Chevra Kadisha
The Chevra Kadisha, the local Jewish burial society, provides preparation of the dead for traditional Jewish burial, education about Jewish death and mourning practices, and respectful, low-cost burial for the indigent. For more about Chevra Kadisha services and contact information, click on the link below.
CHAI for Seniors
The CHAI committee provides visits and holiday gift bags to nursing home residents and people who are ill or bereaved, and hosts daytime programs of interest to seniors.
Human Services
The Human Services Committee attempts to address the diverse human needs of our community with insight and compassion. In addition to assessment and referral to appropriate social services,we provide assistance with food, housing, childcare, transportation and medical care through limited emergency loans and direct third party payments.
Camp Scholarships
The Human Services Committee works with Sinai Temple to coordinate camp scholarship funds and to maximize the number of children served.
PJ Library
Families with children 6 months through 8 years of age receive free Jewish children’s books through this program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library is made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations, like CUJF. In CU, we have served 128 children to date. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, regardless of background or observance.
Community Events
CUJF hosts events for the whole community, such as a Jewish film festivals, and collaborates with other organizations to sponsor celebrations, such as Israeli Independence Day. Folk dancing, movie nights, and other types of events appeal to groups based on interests.