What’s Happening at the J

Wednesday, May 1

JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival: Tickets On-Sale
In-Person Showings
Highland Park, Skokie, Chicago
For the first time since the pandemic, we are back to being fully in person for our 2024 Spring Festival with 23 films over three weeks in June! Our carefully curated films honor Jewish filmmakers, writers, and actors—and those committed to repairing the world through brave, artistic expression. Many films are Chicago Premieres and will include post-film Q&As with filmmakers, actors, and subject matter experts. Tickets $15 per film with special festival passes available online.
Learn More

Wednesday, May 1 and May 15

Community Days Skokie
In Person | 12-1:30pm
5120 Galitz St, Skokie
Enjoy FREE lunch plus entertaining and informative programs. Birds & Blossoms: Chinese Watercolors on 5/1 and American Song Book with Performers Matt & Cynthia Gruel 5/15. Intended for adults 18+.
Registration Required

Starting Tuesday, May 7

Lunch & Learn: Toddlers & Technology
Virtual | 12:15-1:15pm
Sarah Pila-Leiderman, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (and JCC Chicago parent!) will share information about the effects of media and technology on child development (the positives AND negatives) along with some real-world best practices guided by research in this area. This program is free.
Learn More

Monday, May 13

Community Days Lakeview
In-Person | 12-1:30pm
Anshe Emet Synagogue, Chicago
Enjoy FREE lunch plus entertaining and informative programs. Conversation with Chicago History Museum’s Chief Historian, Peter T. Alter. Intended for adults 18+.
Registration Required

Tuesday, May 14

Triumph of the Spirit: Conversation with Collector Neil Keller
In-Person | 7-8pm
Northbrook Public Library
Neil takes audience members deeper into the stories of Jewish athletes before, during and after the Holocaust featured in the exhibit and his collection of Jewish sports memorabilia. This JCC Chicago and Growing Hope exhibit runs through mid-May at the library.
Registration Required

Wednesday, May 16 & Thursday, May 17

Humans of October 7: Conversation with Photographer Erez Kaganovitz
In Person | May 16, 7-8pm | Lake County JCC, Lake Zurich
In Person | May 17, 1-2pm | Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
JCC Chicago and Growing Hope present this ongoing project that brings to light the human stories of the unique Israelis who stood up against terrorism. The exhibit shows the Israeli DNA at its best and exemplifies the incredible spirit and resilience of the Israeli people.
Registration Required