Families
The J is the place where families come together to connect, grow, and thrive. We are here for your family at every age and stage as you celebrate Jewish holidays, discover your Jewish identity, and connect with our J community.
The J is the place where families come together to connect, grow, and thrive. We are here for your family at every age and stage as you celebrate Jewish holidays, discover your Jewish identity, and connect with our J community.
Join in on nightly candle lightings and in-person and virtual events across the Chicagoland area for all! Enjoy dreidel competitions, live entertainment, cookie decorating, challah braiding and more. Open to the community; all are welcome!
Summer Night at Gallagher WayJoin us outside Wrigley Field for a night of live music and family-friendly activities! This program is open to all and FREE. In partnership with Old Town School of Folk Music, Gallagher Way and Violins of Hope.
More information coming soon!
X-Plore With The JSpark your imagination and explore with our new X-PLORE Station at Florence G. Heller JCC. Drop-in for monthly programming for children in 2-11 years old that explores a new topic in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math).
Got Shabbat?Close out the week with Shabbat at the J. Reconnect with your family, friends, and Jewish values by enjoying dinner, live entertainment, games, and family-fun. We offer a variety of Shabbat programming – ranging from traditional to modern – all built with connection and community at the center.
More information coming soon!
Havdalah ProgrammingLight the candles, smell the spices and close out Shabbat! Celebrate Havdalah in-person or virtually with your family and experience a unique, memorable Saturday night.
More information coming soon!
Grandparents WeekendYour child can create special memories with their grandparents at the Perlstein Retreat Center, located on the grounds of our Camp Chi overnight camp in Lake Delton, WI. There will be a wide variety of favorite camp activities to enjoy including swimming, arts & crafts, sports, outdoor cooking, ropes, archery, bonfires & s’mores, hayrides, spirit-filled Shabbat celebrations and more.
Chi GetawayFamilies and Camp Chi alumni can escape to an all-inclusive, stress-free getaway at the popular Perlstein Retreat Center, located on the grounds of Camp Chi. This vacation is packed with awesome activities everyone is sure to love!
Weekends With The JWeekends are for the family! Grab your family and make some new memories with the J community. Enjoy family-friendly activities including art, baking, singing, planting, learning, and growing together.
More information coming soon!
JDAIMFebruary marks Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month where we champion the rights, gifts and strengths of Jews with disabilities.
Family Shabbat On The LakeAll Shuk Up! Immerse yourself in Israel’s open-air markets at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Lakeview with delicious Israeli food, live music, optional family-friendly Shabbat services, inflatables, a petting zoo and more. This program is generously supported by Rose & Sidney N. Shure Kehilla program.
More information coming soon!
Fall ProgrammingThere’s plenty of ways to celebrate Fall at the J from our annual Fall Fest at Lake County JCC to Chol Hamoed Sukkos Family Day and other favorites like Pizza in the Hut!
Join in on nightly candle lightings and in-person and virtual events across the Chicagoland area for all! Enjoy dreidel competitions, live entertainment, cookie decorating, challah braiding and more. Open to the community; all are welcome!
Purim ProgrammingGrab your groggers and costumes! From braiding challah into Purim masks to baking Hamantaschen – there’s plenty of ways to celebrate Purim at the J!
Information on Purim 2024 coming soon.
Afikomen Scavenger HuntHelp us find the afikomen at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day Camp in Northbrook!
Information on Passover 2024 coming soon.
Early ChildhoodWhere Wonder & Confidence Grow! We offer Preschool, Childcare, Enrichment and more in Glencoe, Lake Zurich, Lakeview, Northbrook, West Rogers Park and Evanston.
Summer CampsWe’re the secret sauce of summer! Offering Apachi Day Camp throughout Chicagoland and Camp Chi Overnight Camp in Lake Delton, Wisconsin.
SportsOur selection of athletic programs and experiences focus on skill building, teamwork, self-confidence and fun.
Swim LessonsWe use the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim Program to teach children of all ages how to swim.
JNew ParentsWe get it… life with a newborn is a big change, whether it’s your first baby or not. Our in-person or virtual professionally facilitated parenting groups for new moms, new dads, and parents new to two or more kids are here to help. Enjoy a supportive environment of weekly discussions that include child development, relationships, work-life balance and more.
Young Adult ProgrammingAdults between 22–39 can explore interests, make new connections, and build community through shared experiences. There’s plenty of ways to get involved from holiday gatherings, social events, fitness classes to new parent programs.
With a wide range of locations and rental spaces across the Chicagoland area, JCC Chicago has just the place to hold an amazing family gathering, bar or bat mitzvah, company BBQ, business meeting or company retreat.
