To discover, preserve, and share information about the Jewish experience in the Chicago area.
What We Are
The Chicago Jewish Historical Society was founded in 1977, and is in part an outgrowth of local Jewish participation in the American Bicentennial Celebration of 1976. Muriel Robin was the founding president. The Society has as its purpose the discovery, preservation and dissemination of information concerning the Jewish experience in the Chicago area.
What We Do
The Society seeks out, collects, and preserves written, spoken, and photographic records, in cooperation with the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. The Society publishes the quarterly journal Chicago Jewish History and historical monographs, holds open meetings at which various aspects of Chicago Jewish history are treated, and offers tours of Jewish historical sites.
Membership
Membership in the Society is open to all interested persons and organizations and includes a subscription to Chicago Jewish History, discounts on Society tours and at the Spertus Museum store, and the opportunity to learn and inform others about Chicago Jewish history and its preservation.
More Information on Membership
Genealogy
All inquiries regarding genealogy should be directed to Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois
Listen to our March 15, 2023 program
“The Synagogues of Chicago's South Side,” with Robb Packer. Open the recording.
Listen to our November 13, 2022 program
Sidney and Rose Shure: The Shures Behind Shure Incorporated Open the recording
Listen to our June 26, 2022 program
“Live at Mister Kelly’s,” with David Marienthal. Open the recording
Listen to our March 6, 2022 program
The history and work of the ADL, with Trent Spoolstra, Associate Regional Director of Midwest Office, in charge of young leadership development and Jewish community relations. Open the recording
Listen to our January 19, 2022 program
Chicago attorney Stephen Durchslag talks about his collection of more than 5,000 Haggadahs, the largest in the world. Open the recording
Listen to our December 19, 2021 program
Author Andrew Feiler talks about his latest book, "A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America." Open the recording
Listen to our October 10, 2021 program
“Historic North Side Shuls: Albany Park, Division Street, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and West Town," by Robert Packer. Open the recording
Listen to our June 13, 2021 program
"CJHS Presents an At-Home Birding Adventure," with Joel Greenberg, Josh Engel, and Nathan Goldberg. Open the recording
Listen to our April 25, 2021 program"Driving West Rogers Park: Chicago's Once and Future Neighborhood," with Beverly Siegel and Ellen Doppelt
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Listen to our April 20, 2021 program
“The Three Patriots Statue: Why It Matters”
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Listen to our February 7, 2021 program
"The Greater Chicago Jewish Festival - Creating the Heart and Soul of Jewish Chicago" with Michael Lorge
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Listen to our January 10, 2021 program
Listen to our November 11, 2020 program
featuring historian Matt Nickerson speaking about early Chicago Jewish political and civic leader Abraham Kohn.
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Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen and attorney Michael Dorf speak about "Clear It with Sid! Sidney R. Yates and Fifty Years of Presidents, Pragmatism, and Public Service."
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Listen to our August 2, 2020 program
Dr. Joe Kraus talking about "The Kosher Capones: A History of Chicago's Jewish Gangsters."
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