JUF Podcasts

David Chevan and his ensemble, is a band specializing in jazz versions of Jewish and African-American spiritual song. Their latest CD is called “Yizkor. In this interview, Chevan gives the details about each very different appearance, the genesis of his band, and is thoughts on diversity and unity.

One of the most distinctive performers in popular music today, Matisyahu mixes the energetic sounds of reggae and rap with the energizing messages of Torah, mitzvot, and Jewish spirituality. His 2006 album entitled Youth went gold and reached #4 on the pop charts. Matisyahu will be appearing for JUF’s Young Leadership Division’s “Big Event” on Saturday, December 13, at 7:30 pm at the Westin Chicago.

Linda Epstein, director of JUF’s Israel Office, went to the war zone today to visit friends.

Craig Taubman is one of the leading lights in today’s contemporary Jewish music scene

JUF News Managing Editor Cindy Sher interviews David Chack to discuss his new presidency, the evolution of Jewish theater, and the bright future for the medium.

Jay Tcath, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and Juan Salgado, executive director of Instituto Del Progreso Latino presented their perspectives on the roles of Jewish and Latino voters in the Nov. 4 election

Parzen and Cicelsky spoke to nearly 30 organizational leaders and delegates, who gathered at yesterday’s meeting of JUF's Jewish Community Relations Council to learn about recent strides in environmentally conscious agriculture, construction, and technological development both in Chicago and in Israel.

The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band’s founder, Lori Lippitz, discusses the band’s history and upcoming shows on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.

More than 60 people gathered at the Nov. 5 meeting of the JUF Jewish Community Relations Council to hear local political scientist Julie Strauss analyze the factors that led to Obama's election and what the new administration’s first steps will be.

In October, Jay Tcath, Vice President of JUF and Executive Director of its JCRC, was the guest at The Ideas Café at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, in a program entitled "The 2008 Elections and Beyond: What’s at Stake—and Taking Steps to Shape the Future."

JUF/JF Chairman David Sherman talks about J-Help, the Jewish community’s response to those experiencing economic hardship.

The Honorable Urs Ziswiler, Swiss Ambassador to the U.S., spoke before the organizational leaders and delegates comprising JCRC's 46 constituent groups October 7, about Swiss policy in the Middle East and relations with Iran.

Hear Israel Ministry of Tourism executives Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, and Oren Drori, Deputy Director-General and Head of Marketing Administration, describe the strategies putting Israel at the top of the list of desirable destinations.

Meridor was keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, September 18, 2008.

Steven B. Nasatir, President of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, addresses the 108th Federation annual meeting September 18, 2008.