October 26, 2021 | 20 Cheshvan, 5782 | | A Destination for Diplomats | | On Friday, October 8, AIOI had the privilege to host the new Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, Yinam Cohen. The Consul General and his deputy, Daniel Aschheim visited AIOI's headquarters and had enjoyable and productive conversation with Rabbi Ehrman, Rabbi Robinson and Rabbi Soroka. Issues of mutual interest and concern, as well as ways to partner and collaborate were discussed. Over the years AIOI has worked closely with Israeli diplomats at Israel's Midwest Consulate. This meeting served to build upon the existing strong relationship and expand the scope of the partnership. | | AIOI, School Leaders, work together on Scholarship Tax Credit (STC) program | | Working in a collaborative fashion is critical to the success of any communal effort and to that end, AIOI hosted all professional and lay and professional school leaders on Tuesday, October 12, to share developments and discuss how to best serve our students. The agenda included legislative developments and AIOI's efforts, along with coalition partners, to pass a bill that makes program enhancements, and exploring strategies to ensure that every family can access the benefits of the program. | | Since its inception in 2018, Illinios' Invest in Kids Act has been a lifeline for hundreds of Chicago's Jewish families who struggle to afford school tuition providing over $40 million in scholarships to attend Jewish day schools and yeshivos. The program is funded by donors who can claim a state tax credit equal to 75% of their donation. AIOI has worked to educate individuals, business owners and financial professionals to encourage broader participation and has helped facilitate an increase in both donors and donations. Nearly $20 million was donated in 2020, doubling the previous annual total. Once again, AIOI is working with schools, community leaders, businesses and individuals to surpass last year's numbers and meet the community's growing demand. To achieve these goals, AIOI is launching a new website, hosting seminars, and working with scholarship organizations to accommodate the needs and preferences of the donors schools and most importantly, the students. | | Despite the pandemic, Agudath Israel's KESHER Mentoring Program was able to get in a very effective 6 months of mentoring for over 20 girls. The programming allows Jr. High School girls to bond with a post-Seminary mentor through weekly visits, which may include a trip for a Slurpee, the playing of a game or even a pleasant walk in the park. Yet, the attention these girls receive from the mentors is exactly what they need to improve their self-image and better enable them to handle heretofore difficult situations both at home and at school. Under the coordination of Mrs. Frumit Roberts, KESHER coordinates mentors through the guidance of the Menaheles and Student Advisor of JDBY to insure a positive 'shidduch' between mentor and student. At present, KESHER has 19 mentors, but is looking for more as the demand far exceeds the supply. For more information, please contact Mrs. Roberts at 1frumit@gmail.com. | | Bnos Shabbos Groups are Back! | | During the past 18 months, Bnos Agudath Israel of Chicago – entering its 59th year of Torah programming – has had to keep in touch with its Bnos girls mainly through numerous remote activities and programs. These have included 3 Bnos Call-a-Bubby programs, 2 Bnos Pesach Mitzvah Matzos and Sukkos Mitzvah Maidel programs, an informative and enjoyable weekly Newsletter and a recent Ice-Skating activity. Yet, the heart of Bnos programming – its Shabbos Groups – were still not possible and were sorely missed by hundreds of girls throughout Chicago. This past Shabbos, Bnos groups resumed again! Groups meet at seven area shuls and Bnos girls are able to meet with their friends to spend an exciting hour of games, songs, stories and much more. | | AIOI Launches Yahalom Chicago | | Agudath Israel of Illinois is proud to announce the opening of Yahalom Chicago, a resource navigation center serving families of individuals with special needs. Yahalom Chicago along with Yahalom New York, joins Yahalom New Jersey in assisting families in their communities. | | H3 Business Halacha Summit | | Building on the successes of the first two Business Halacha Summits, we are anxiously anticipating the upcoming H3 Business Halacha Summit, which will be taking place on December 22-23 at the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center and Hotel. Presentations will be made by renowned Rabbanim and poskim on the proper halachic and hashkafic approach to being in business. There are many networking opportunities and we also will hear from industry leaders about their challenges and solutions to running a business according to halacha. For more details, registration information and sponsorship opportunities, please see the above flyer or visit H3Summit.org. | | Midwest Agudah Convention | | After a long three year wait, we are pleased to announce that the next Midwest Agudah Convention will be on December 23-26 at the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center and Hotel. With opportunities to spends time and learn from our Gedolei Roshei Hayeshiva, Rabbanim, and inspirational speakers, the conventions are always memorable and deeply impactful. This guaranteed uplifting and enjoyable Convention is truly a can't miss opportunity for men, women and their families. For more information, visit midwestagudahconvention.org. | | If you did not receive this email directly and would like to receive it in the future, please click here. | | | | | | |
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