JCUA Blog - Jewish Council on Urban Affairs

The Mitzvah of Voting

February 18, 2019

| By Rabbi David Russo

There is a fascinating story told about the 20th century Israeli rabbi, the Chazon Ish. On Election Day, the Chazon Ish ran into a fellow Jew. “Did you vote yet” inquired the Chazon Ish. The person responded, “No.” “Why not,” the Chazon Ish persisted. The person responded, “I don’t have the three Israeli pounds to …

Act in the Gap

February 18, 2019

| By Rabbi Lauren Henderson

Categories: Civic Engagement

We as a community are collectively thinking about voting in the Chicago elections this month and what it means to be an engaged member of a democracy that is still profoundly flawed. One of the concepts that I believe can help us find our place in that democracy is a idea taught by the Quaker …

G-d forgives, but unfortunately not the United States.

February 15, 2019

| By Kalman Resnick

Categories: Immigrant Rights, Immigration Reform

This blog is taken from the D’var Torah given by Immigration Attorney and JCUA Member Kalman Resnick at Beth Emet Synagogue last Friday. Shabbat Shalom. The Book of Exodus from which we continue reading this Shabbat has resonated through my life. As a young child, I saw the parallels between our Exodus from Egypt and …

Voting, Civic Engagement, and the Parsha

February 11, 2019

| By Rabbi Fred Reeves

Categories: Civic Engagement

When contemplating the portion Tetzaveh in terms of voting and elections, at first blush few portions would seem more at odds with democracy. The portion starts with instructions for lighting the Menorah regularly then proceeds to describe the various elements of clothing of the High Priest. Of course, the High Priest is the head of …

JCUA Announces its Newest CVP Loan to LUCHA for the Humboldt Park Residence

February 5, 2019

| By Hannah Wolod

Categories: CVP

JCUA is pleased to announce its new Community Ventures Program (CVP) loan to Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA). LUCHA received a $100,000 loan to cover a portion of the predevelopment costs for the rehabilitation of Humboldt Park Residence (HPR), an existing 68-unit single-room occupancy (SRO) development on Chicago’s West Side. JCUA has a longstanding …