Chicago Jewish Historical Society
@cjhs1977.bsky.social
The mission of the Society is the discovery, documentation, and sharing of the history of the Jewish community in the Chicago area.
http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/
http://www.chicagojewishhistory.org/
***WTTW new series: Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History***
Following the broadcasts, on February 25, WTTW is hosting a Community Screening and Conversation with speakers, including Daniel Greene who has presented for the Chicago Jewish Historical Society:
www.wttw.com/events/2026-...
Following the broadcasts, on February 25, WTTW is hosting a Community Screening and Conversation with speakers, including Daniel Greene who has presented for the Chicago Jewish Historical Society:
www.wttw.com/events/2026-...
WTTW Community Screening and Conversation – Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History
Join WTTW for a screening of and conversation about BLACK AND JEWISH AMERICA: AN INTERWOVEN HISTORY, a new four-part docuseries that explores the complex relationship between Black Americans and Jewis...
www.wttw.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:53 PM
***WTTW new series: Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History***
Following the broadcasts, on February 25, WTTW is hosting a Community Screening and Conversation with speakers, including Daniel Greene who has presented for the Chicago Jewish Historical Society:
www.wttw.com/events/2026-...
Following the broadcasts, on February 25, WTTW is hosting a Community Screening and Conversation with speakers, including Daniel Greene who has presented for the Chicago Jewish Historical Society:
www.wttw.com/events/2026-...
***Book Talk: A Discussion with Dominic A. Pacyga, Author of Clout City***
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM CST
Free and open to the public
More info here: chicagocollections.org/news-events/...
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM CST
Free and open to the public
More info here: chicagocollections.org/news-events/...
February 6, 2026 at 4:45 PM
***Book Talk: A Discussion with Dominic A. Pacyga, Author of Clout City***
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM CST
Free and open to the public
More info here: chicagocollections.org/news-events/...
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM CST
Free and open to the public
More info here: chicagocollections.org/news-events/...
***Robert Nagler Miller's book review in Hadassah Magazine***
Our Chicago Jewish History editor Robert Nagler Miller reviewed Allegra Goodman's new book in the current issue of Hadassah Magazine.
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2026/01/07/r...
Our Chicago Jewish History editor Robert Nagler Miller reviewed Allegra Goodman's new book in the current issue of Hadassah Magazine.
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2026/01/07/r...
REVIEW: 'This is Not About Us'
Allegra Goodman, the arbiter of Jewish American family tsuris, delivers a complex portrait of complicated people living in a world that they find increasingly inscrutable and impenetrable.
www.hadassahmagazine.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:56 AM
***Robert Nagler Miller's book review in Hadassah Magazine***
Our Chicago Jewish History editor Robert Nagler Miller reviewed Allegra Goodman's new book in the current issue of Hadassah Magazine.
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2026/01/07/r...
Our Chicago Jewish History editor Robert Nagler Miller reviewed Allegra Goodman's new book in the current issue of Hadassah Magazine.
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2026/01/07/r...
Congregation Agudath Jacob in Evanston closed in 1994. Here is the link to Rabbi Wiesenthal's Chicago Jewish History article that mentions Agudath Jacob:
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
chicagojewishhistory.org
January 20, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Congregation Agudath Jacob in Evanston closed in 1994. Here is the link to Rabbi Wiesenthal's Chicago Jewish History article that mentions Agudath Jacob:
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
We learned of the passing of Sima Miller, singer and musician. She and her musician husband Arnold Miller z"l were longtime, avid Chicago Jewish Historical Society members.
The Millers were renowned in the world of Jewish music.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkF...
The Millers were renowned in the world of Jewish music.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkF...
Sima Miller
Sima Miller has appeared in concert and on radio and television throughout the United States as well as in Israel. Her Israeli heritage, extending back through six generations, add depth and understan...
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:09 PM
We learned of the passing of Sima Miller, singer and musician. She and her musician husband Arnold Miller z"l were longtime, avid Chicago Jewish Historical Society members.
The Millers were renowned in the world of Jewish music.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkF...
The Millers were renowned in the world of Jewish music.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkF...
Check out this Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society exhibition from 2018.
Our Chicago Jewish Historical Society Social Media Manager, @nellstra.bsky.social , was involved in planning and organizing this when he was a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago.
rpwrhs.org/the-faith-tr...
Our Chicago Jewish Historical Society Social Media Manager, @nellstra.bsky.social , was involved in planning and organizing this when he was a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago.
rpwrhs.org/the-faith-tr...
The Faith Traditions of Rogers Park and West Ridge
What is the Role of Religion in a Multicultural Community? The neighboring communities of Rogers Park and West Ridge truly represent The World in One Neighborhood, where people from all nations mak…
rpwrhs.org
January 12, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Check out this Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society exhibition from 2018.
Our Chicago Jewish Historical Society Social Media Manager, @nellstra.bsky.social , was involved in planning and organizing this when he was a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago.
rpwrhs.org/the-faith-tr...
Our Chicago Jewish Historical Society Social Media Manager, @nellstra.bsky.social , was involved in planning and organizing this when he was a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago.
rpwrhs.org/the-faith-tr...
***Photos from December 25 kosher Chinese meal***
December 26, 2025 at 8:05 PM
***Photos from December 25 kosher Chinese meal***
Reposted by Chicago Jewish Historical Society
This is a tradition in Chicago!!
***78th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate***
The 2025 Latke-Hamantash Debate, an annual ritual at the University of Chicago, was held in February of 2025.
Here is a video of the full event. Who will be the 2026 debaters? Stay tuned.
youtube.com/watch?v=yO0w...
The 2025 Latke-Hamantash Debate, an annual ritual at the University of Chicago, was held in February of 2025.
Here is a video of the full event. Who will be the 2026 debaters? Stay tuned.
youtube.com/watch?v=yO0w...
78th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate
YouTube video by The University of Chicago
youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:14 PM
This is a tradition in Chicago!!
***78th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate***
The 2025 Latke-Hamantash Debate, an annual ritual at the University of Chicago, was held in February of 2025.
Here is a video of the full event. Who will be the 2026 debaters? Stay tuned.
youtube.com/watch?v=yO0w...
The 2025 Latke-Hamantash Debate, an annual ritual at the University of Chicago, was held in February of 2025.
Here is a video of the full event. Who will be the 2026 debaters? Stay tuned.
youtube.com/watch?v=yO0w...
78th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate
YouTube video by The University of Chicago
youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:55 PM
***78th Annual Latke-Hamantash Debate***
The 2025 Latke-Hamantash Debate, an annual ritual at the University of Chicago, was held in February of 2025.
Here is a video of the full event. Who will be the 2026 debaters? Stay tuned.
youtube.com/watch?v=yO0w...
The 2025 Latke-Hamantash Debate, an annual ritual at the University of Chicago, was held in February of 2025.
Here is a video of the full event. Who will be the 2026 debaters? Stay tuned.
youtube.com/watch?v=yO0w...
We hope to see you on Sunday, December 7 at a free program about the history of The Ark, featuring a panel of Ark staff members and leaders, a tour of the Ark's beautiful new building, and refreshments.
Register: arkchicago.org/cjhs/
Questions? info@chicagojewishistory.org
Register: arkchicago.org/cjhs/
Questions? info@chicagojewishistory.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:44 PM
We hope to see you on Sunday, December 7 at a free program about the history of The Ark, featuring a panel of Ark staff members and leaders, a tour of the Ark's beautiful new building, and refreshments.
Register: arkchicago.org/cjhs/
Questions? info@chicagojewishistory.org
Register: arkchicago.org/cjhs/
Questions? info@chicagojewishistory.org
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS!
November 26, 2025 at 9:40 PM
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS!
"American synagogues are closing at a record rate. This retired judge is rescuing their stained glass windows."
forward.com/news/779236/...
forward.com/news/779236/...
American synagogues are closing at a record rate. This retired judge is rescuing their stained glass windows.
Jerry Orbach is rescuing stained glass from closed synagogues — giving the windows, and the communities they once illuminated, a second life.
forward.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
"American synagogues are closing at a record rate. This retired judge is rescuing their stained glass windows."
forward.com/news/779236/...
forward.com/news/779236/...
***Community Event***
Mah Tovu Congregation
7315 N. Western Ave. Chicago
Presents Kristallnacht Lecture 2025/ 5786
Professor Pamela Nadell
Topic: "Antisemitism: An American Tradition"
Sunday, November 9th, 7-8:30pm
Ma’ariv follows.
Please RSVP to
johnsto1@uic.edu
Mah Tovu Congregation
7315 N. Western Ave. Chicago
Presents Kristallnacht Lecture 2025/ 5786
Professor Pamela Nadell
Topic: "Antisemitism: An American Tradition"
Sunday, November 9th, 7-8:30pm
Ma’ariv follows.
Please RSVP to
johnsto1@uic.edu
October 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
***Community Event***
Mah Tovu Congregation
7315 N. Western Ave. Chicago
Presents Kristallnacht Lecture 2025/ 5786
Professor Pamela Nadell
Topic: "Antisemitism: An American Tradition"
Sunday, November 9th, 7-8:30pm
Ma’ariv follows.
Please RSVP to
johnsto1@uic.edu
Mah Tovu Congregation
7315 N. Western Ave. Chicago
Presents Kristallnacht Lecture 2025/ 5786
Professor Pamela Nadell
Topic: "Antisemitism: An American Tradition"
Sunday, November 9th, 7-8:30pm
Ma’ariv follows.
Please RSVP to
johnsto1@uic.edu
***Illinois Statehood Day 2025 Set For December 3rd***
Join us for a full day of Illinois History!
Statehood Day 2025 will be held at the Inn at 835 in Springfield.
Tickets can be reserved/purchased at ilstatehoodday2025.eventbrite.com or by calling the office at 217-525-2781, ext. 2.
Join us for a full day of Illinois History!
Statehood Day 2025 will be held at the Inn at 835 in Springfield.
Tickets can be reserved/purchased at ilstatehoodday2025.eventbrite.com or by calling the office at 217-525-2781, ext. 2.
October 16, 2025 at 11:28 PM
***Illinois Statehood Day 2025 Set For December 3rd***
Join us for a full day of Illinois History!
Statehood Day 2025 will be held at the Inn at 835 in Springfield.
Tickets can be reserved/purchased at ilstatehoodday2025.eventbrite.com or by calling the office at 217-525-2781, ext. 2.
Join us for a full day of Illinois History!
Statehood Day 2025 will be held at the Inn at 835 in Springfield.
Tickets can be reserved/purchased at ilstatehoodday2025.eventbrite.com or by calling the office at 217-525-2781, ext. 2.
***Program of interest - the history of an iconic Jewish hardware store***
One of our partner organizations, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, is presenting a program of interest to the Chicago Jewish community.
Information and registration:
rpwrhs.org/program/neig...
One of our partner organizations, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, is presenting a program of interest to the Chicago Jewish community.
Information and registration:
rpwrhs.org/program/neig...
Neighborhood Icon, Community Treasure: The Story of Clark-Devon Hardware - Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society
The iconic Clark-Devon Hardware clock is a neighborhood landmark, marking the corner where Bernie Walchak began the business a century ago. Join his grandson, Ken Walchak to hear the story.
rpwrhs.org
October 13, 2025 at 4:58 PM
***Program of interest - the history of an iconic Jewish hardware store***
One of our partner organizations, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, is presenting a program of interest to the Chicago Jewish community.
Information and registration:
rpwrhs.org/program/neig...
One of our partner organizations, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, is presenting a program of interest to the Chicago Jewish community.
Information and registration:
rpwrhs.org/program/neig...
Chicago Jewish Historical Society editor Robert Nagler Miller has a book review in the September 2025 issue of Hadassah Magazine:
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2025/09/05/r...
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2025/09/05/r...
www.hadassahmagazine.org
September 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Chicago Jewish Historical Society editor Robert Nagler Miller has a book review in the September 2025 issue of Hadassah Magazine:
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2025/09/05/r...
www.hadassahmagazine.org/2025/09/05/r...
We extend warm wishes to all our members and friends for a wonderful Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year 5786 - and a year of peace, good health, sweetness, and happiness.
September 19, 2025 at 6:58 PM
We extend warm wishes to all our members and friends for a wonderful Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year 5786 - and a year of peace, good health, sweetness, and happiness.
Open House Chicago is coming up on October 18th and 19th.
There are many historic Jewish sites featured this year.
www.architecture.org/open-house-c...
There are many historic Jewish sites featured this year.
www.architecture.org/open-house-c...
Open House Chicago
www.architecture.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Open House Chicago is coming up on October 18th and 19th.
There are many historic Jewish sites featured this year.
www.architecture.org/open-house-c...
There are many historic Jewish sites featured this year.
www.architecture.org/open-house-c...
***Printers Row Lit Fest this weekend, September 6-7***
THIS WEEKEND
40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest
The 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 10AM – 6PM. Come Rain or Shine!
printersrowlitfest.org?fbclid=IwdGR...
THIS WEEKEND
40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest
The 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 10AM – 6PM. Come Rain or Shine!
printersrowlitfest.org?fbclid=IwdGR...
Printers Row Lit Fest
The 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, returns to Printers Row on September 6-7, 2025.
printersrowlitfest.org
September 2, 2025 at 10:45 PM
***Printers Row Lit Fest this weekend, September 6-7***
THIS WEEKEND
40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest
The 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 10AM – 6PM. Come Rain or Shine!
printersrowlitfest.org?fbclid=IwdGR...
THIS WEEKEND
40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest
The 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 6 & Sunday, September 7, 10AM – 6PM. Come Rain or Shine!
printersrowlitfest.org?fbclid=IwdGR...
Jewish book month is coming up in November!
The next issue of our quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History, to be published in November, will be our annual Book Issue.
Join the Chicago Jewish Historical Society now and subscribe:
chicagojewishhistory.org/membership/m...
The next issue of our quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History, to be published in November, will be our annual Book Issue.
Join the Chicago Jewish Historical Society now and subscribe:
chicagojewishhistory.org/membership/m...
Membership - The Chicago Jewish Historical Society
chicagojewishhistory.org
September 2, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Jewish book month is coming up in November!
The next issue of our quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History, to be published in November, will be our annual Book Issue.
Join the Chicago Jewish Historical Society now and subscribe:
chicagojewishhistory.org/membership/m...
The next issue of our quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History, to be published in November, will be our annual Book Issue.
Join the Chicago Jewish Historical Society now and subscribe:
chicagojewishhistory.org/membership/m...
***The digital version of the Summer Issue of our quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History, is available with color images.***
For a livelier reading experience, read the issue with the color images.
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
For a livelier reading experience, read the issue with the color images.
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
chicagojewishhistory.org
August 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
***The digital version of the Summer Issue of our quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History, is available with color images.***
For a livelier reading experience, read the issue with the color images.
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
For a livelier reading experience, read the issue with the color images.
chicagojewishhistory.org/media/2791/9...
***Upcoming program: "Rosenwald: The Remarkable Story of a Jewish Partnership with African American Communities"***
Monday, September 8, 2025
8:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm CT/Chicago Time
Zoom
Learn more and register here: wrj.org/calendar/ros...
Monday, September 8, 2025
8:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm CT/Chicago Time
Zoom
Learn more and register here: wrj.org/calendar/ros...
August 25, 2025 at 6:09 PM
***Upcoming program: "Rosenwald: The Remarkable Story of a Jewish Partnership with African American Communities"***
Monday, September 8, 2025
8:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm CT/Chicago Time
Zoom
Learn more and register here: wrj.org/calendar/ros...
Monday, September 8, 2025
8:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm CT/Chicago Time
Zoom
Learn more and register here: wrj.org/calendar/ros...
The Summer 2025 issue of Chicago Jewish History, published by the Chicago Jewish HIstorical Society (CJHS), is available online!
chicagojewishhistory.org/publications...
chicagojewishhistory.org/publications...
August 21, 2025 at 5:57 PM
The Summer 2025 issue of Chicago Jewish History, published by the Chicago Jewish HIstorical Society (CJHS), is available online!
chicagojewishhistory.org/publications...
chicagojewishhistory.org/publications...
This is our beautiful logo, created by artist and founding CJHS member Roseann Chasman, z"l.
The title's biblical quote is from the prophetic reading that accompanies Eikev (Deuternomy 7:12 - 11:25), the Torah portion that was read in synagogues today, August 16, 2025.
The title's biblical quote is from the prophetic reading that accompanies Eikev (Deuternomy 7:12 - 11:25), the Torah portion that was read in synagogues today, August 16, 2025.
August 17, 2025 at 4:31 AM
This is our beautiful logo, created by artist and founding CJHS member Roseann Chasman, z"l.
The title's biblical quote is from the prophetic reading that accompanies Eikev (Deuternomy 7:12 - 11:25), the Torah portion that was read in synagogues today, August 16, 2025.
The title's biblical quote is from the prophetic reading that accompanies Eikev (Deuternomy 7:12 - 11:25), the Torah portion that was read in synagogues today, August 16, 2025.
***Robert's Fish Market (kosher) is Reopening***
Read this report about the store:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/30/r...
Read this report about the store:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/30/r...
Robert's Fish Market Reopening In West Ridge After Owner's Battle With Serious Illness
Owner Arturo Venegas was hospitalized for several months after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. He’s reopening the shop Tuesday after temporarily closing it last summer.
blockclubchicago.org
July 1, 2025 at 5:29 AM
***Robert's Fish Market (kosher) is Reopening***
Read this report about the store:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/30/r...
Read this report about the store:
blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/30/r...