Resources

There are several resources available to you to support you including Jewish organizations, community resources, and CEC committees. Following are lists organized by category.

ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America)

Advocacy for Israel engagement.

Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA)

Support for effective leadership on issues like antisemitism and racial justice.

Jewish National Fund (JNF)

Commitment to a strong future for Israel through various projects.

Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV)

Programs and resources for Jewish war veterans.

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)

Closing opportunity gaps in employment through support for jobseekers.

Foundation for Jewish Camp

Development and promotion of camp programs.

Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI)

Camp for building skills and connections without screens.

Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Partnership (SKIP)

A savings program for children's Jewish education.

JCFS Chicago

Caring and healing services, including therapy and counseling.

SHALVA

Offering domestic violence counseling, supporting services, and community education.

Chaim Mitzvah

Conversations guided by sourcebooks on Jewish topics.

Chicago YIVO Society

Resource center for East European Jewish Studies and Yiddish language.

Jewish End-of-Life Traditions

Description of Jewish mourning practices.

Jewish United Fund (JUF)

Critical resources and funding for a network of agencies and schools.

Masa Israel Journey

Shaping a promising future for young Jewish individuals.

PJ Library

Sending free, high-quality Jewish children’s books to families every month.

URJ Resources for Young Families

List of URJ resources for young families.

FORCE

Improving the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancers.

Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium (JGDC)

Increasing awareness about genetic diseases.

National Gaucher Foundation

Providing genetic counseling for Gaucher Disease.

Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics

Educational resources related to hereditary cancers and genetic disorders.

Sharsheret

Support for Jewish women and families living with or at genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer.

Chesed v'Emet

Offering quality caskets, burial vaults, and personalized services.

Jewish Free Loan Chicago (JFLC)

Aiding and empowering those with financial needs through zero-interest loans.

CEC Interfaith Committee

At Congregation Etz Chaim, we promote an open dialogue with friends and neighbors of different faiths to foster positive relationships through community outreach events that develop mutual respect and understanding within our diverse faith community. We also promote positive relationships within our walls, dubbed “in-reach.” We want our interfaith families to feel welcomed and comfortable, so we actively host events for them. If you’re interested in interfaith activities or have suggestions for us, contact the Interfaith committee.

CEC Environmental Task Force

The Environmental Task Force works to advance our shared ideals of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Tzedek (justice), and Ba’al Tashchit (the prohibition against wanton destruction) by promoting environmental action and education as an integral aspect of Congregation Etz Chaim. Our focus includes organizing recycling events, collaborating with the temple leadership to enhance our environmental practices, offering educational programs, supporting environmental education for students, and seeking new ways to take positive environmental action.

Tallitot Partnership with Advah

We are excited to announce a partnership with Advah Designs. Advah Designs offers a wide selection of handmade tallitot (Jewish prayer shawls), including traditional woven tallitot, printed silk tallitot, and handwoven tallitot in vibrant colors. Their tallitot are for people of all ages, sizes, and genders. You can shop their online store by clicking here. When you make a purchase through this link, Congregation Etz Chaim receives a portion of your payment as a donation. This is a great way to contribute while also gaining a beautiful religious item.

DuPage County Community

Provides resources for housing, utilities, transportation, and health.

People's Resource Center (PRC)

Addresses hunger and poverty in DuPage County through essential services such as food, clothing, rent assistance, education, and community support.

Immersive Youth Scholarship

In memory of Robert Scott Samuels & Jeremy Bruder

This fund provides need-based scholarships for URJ Camps & Programs.

Robert Scott Samuels was an accomplished swimmer and diver at 5 years old. He loved rock and roll music and playing with his older brother Michael, two years older than him. While Robert is no longer with us, this fund can support others in enjoying what Robert cannot.

Jeremy J. Bruder was tragically shot and killed by a classmate on June 2, 1996. During Jeremy’s high school career, he excelled academically and as a true humanitarian. He actively participated in his school’s mentoring and peer mediation programs, and played several varsity sports. As an honor student, Jeremy had a voracious appetite for knowledge and always carried at least one novel or mechanical operation manual under his arm. His grades, his attitude, and his high moral outlook allowed him to achieve many of his goals but his biggest goal will never be accomplished: to attend the University of Arizona and attain a Bachelor of Science, as well as a law degree.

While Jeremy is no longer with us in body, he remains with us in spirit and we’re sure he’s beaming with pride that he’s still able to help people with this scholarship fund.