Young Families will start the evening at 5PM with singing Hanukkah songs led by Cantors Brook and Rosenberg. Then at 5:30PM we invite the whole community to a latke dinner followed by lighting the Hanukkiah with the AES clergy. Rhythm and Jews, the U of Chicago Jewish A Cappella group, will perform as well as our Anshe Emet Youth Choir. At 6:30PM, Young Families head home for bedtime, and our older families and all adults are encouraged to participate in our Eight Candles of Hanukkah Stations. We hope to see you there!
Please note: Parking will be extremely limited. We encourage using a rideshare service or public transit.
Members
Adults (ages 18+) – $20
Children (ages 5-17) – $10
Children (ages 0-4) – Free
Non-Members
Adults (ages 18+) – $25
Children (ages 0-17) – $15
Children (ages 0-4) – Free
Rhythm and Jews!
As we enter Hanukkah, we are reminded that even the smallest light has the power to transform the world around us. Each night of the holiday calls us not only to illuminate our homes but also to bring light into the lives of others. Many in our community and beyond are facing hardship, hunger, displacement, or isolation, and this season invites us to respond with compassion and generosity.
In that spirit, we encourage you to join us in supporting a range of organizations whose work reflects the hope and resilience of Hanukkah. Each night below highlights partners doing meaningful work across Chicago and throughout the world. We invite you to learn, engage, and give as you are able. Together, our collective light can brighten even the darkest places.
The Ark
The Ark serves as a vital support system within Chicago’s Jewish community, offering free, comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing hardship. Their work includes a kosher food pantry, medical and dental services, mental-health counseling, housing support, case management, and financial assistance. With dignity and compassion, The Ark ensures that no one in the community faces difficult moments alone.
Website: https://arkchicago.org
“One who locks one’s doors and eats and drinks with one’s family, but does not offer food and drink to the poor and suffering—this celebration is not considered a mitzvah; it is a celebration of one’s own stomach.” (Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, Laws of Festivals 6:18)
D19 Mutual Aid
D19 Mutual Aid is a volunteer-led network supporting neighbors on Chicago’s North Side through food distributions, supply drives, and direct assistance. Their model centers on building strong, reciprocal relationships within the community and ensuring that families and individuals have access to essential resources during times of need.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/19thdistrict/home
Magen David Adom
Magen David Adom is Israel’s national emergency medical and disaster relief organization. It provides lifesaving care every day, responding to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and crisis situations. Through its blood services, first responder training, and emergency operations, Magen David Adom plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of people throughout Israel.
Website: https://afmda.org
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
The National Immigrant Justice Center defends the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through comprehensive legal services, litigation, and policy advocacy. NIJC’s work ensures that vulnerable individuals have access to representation and can navigate an increasingly complex immigration system with dignity and protection.
Website: https://immigrantjustice.org
“Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:16)
Nourishing Hope
Nourishing Hope is one of Chicago’s leading food and social service providers. They distribute millions of meals each year while also offering mental-health counseling, case management, and support for individuals and families navigating food insecurity. Their work combines essential resources with dignified, community-centered care.
Website: https://www.nourishinghopechi.org
Shalva
Shalva provides free, confidential, culturally sensitive support to survivors of domestic abuse in the Jewish community. Their work includes long-term counseling, advocacy, safety planning, and educational programs that promote healthy relationships and raise awareness. Shalva serves as a compassionate lifeline to those seeking safety and healing.
Website: https://shalvaonline.org
“Anyone who saves one life, it is as if they saved an entire world.” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5)
Night 4
Red Tent Fund
The Red Tent Fund strengthens programs that empower Jewish women and girls by
supporting leadership development, mentorship, community-building initiatives, and educational opportunities. Through its grants and partnerships, the fund helps create environments where women and girls can thrive and feel deeply connected to Jewish life.
Website: https://theredtentfund.org/
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
ICIRR is a statewide coalition dedicated to uplifting immigrant and refugee communities in Illinois. Their work focuses on civic engagement, grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, education, and building a more inclusive state. ICIRR supports families seeking safety, stability, and opportunity.
Website: https://www.icirr.org
“Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them” (Genesis 18:2)
American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
American Jewish World Service is a global organization dedicated to ending poverty and promoting human rights in the developing world. Rooted in Jewish values, AJWS partners with grassroots groups working to defend women’s rights, protect LGBTQ+ people, respond to humanitarian crises, advance democracy, and build more just societies.
Website: https://ajws.org
Lincoln Park Community Shelter
The Lincoln Park Community Shelter provides supportive services and interim housing for adults experiencing homelessness. Their model focuses on helping participants build stability through case management, employment support, access to healthcare, and community connection. LPCS empowers individuals to move toward long-term independence.
Website: https://lpcschicago.org
“Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20)
HIAS
HIAS is one of the oldest Jewish humanitarian organizations in the world, founded toprotect refugees fleeing persecution. Today, HIAS provides legal support, resettlement assistance, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for displaced people across the globe. Guided by the Jewish imperative to welcome the stranger, HIAS supports families on their journeys to safety and stability.
Website: https://hias.org
Deborah’s Place
Deborah’s Place supports women experiencing homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing, case management, health and wellness services, and opportunities for personal growth. Their programs help women heal from trauma, regain stability, and build brighter futures rooted in dignity and community.
Website: https://www.deborahsplace.org
“Learn to do good. Devote yourselves to justice; Aid the wronged. Uphold the rights of the orphan; Defend the cause of the widow. “(Isaiah 1:17)
Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago
Maot Chitim ensures that Jewish families throughout Chicagoland can celebrate the holidays with dignity by delivering food packages before Rosh Hashanah and Passover. Thousands of volunteers gather to pack and deliver boxes filled with holiday staples, fostering a powerful sense of community and shared responsibility.
Website: https://maotchitim.org
Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons provides children living in poverty with clothing, shoes, school supplies, hygiene items, and other essentials they need for daily life. Through volunteer engagement and strong community partnerships, the organization ensures that children can learn, play, and grow with confidence.
Website: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/chicago
And all your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 54:13) Do not read ‘your children’ (banayikh), but rather ‘your builders’ (bonayikh). (Berakhot 64a)
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
MAZON works to end hunger in the United States and Israel by addressing root causes, shaping policy, educating communities, and partnering with organizations on the front lines. Guided by Jewish values, MAZON is committed to ensuring that all people have consistent access to nutritious food.
Website: https://mazon.org
Bright Star Community Outreach
Bright Star Community Outreach strengthens Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood through trauma-informed counseling, youth mentorship, violence prevention initiatives, family support services, and community-based healing programs. Their work creates safer, healthier environments where individuals and families can thrive.
Website: https://brightstarcommunityoutreach.com
When Rav Huna would eat a meal, he would open his door and say, “Whoever is in need, let that person come and eat.” (Ta’anit 20b)
