Jewish West Rogers Park carries a singular status.  Now in its 10th decade, it is the longest-existing Jewish neighborhood in Chicago history. Heir to Maxwell Street and Lawndale, West Rogers Park is the only major, full-fledged Jewish neighborhood left in Chicago.  
 
Today, West Rogers Park boasts more Jewish schools and adult learning programs, agencies and social services, synagogues, and organizations than ever before. Yet, it is home to the streets, parks, schools, and memories that tens of thousands of Jews throughout Chicagoland picture in their minds’ eye when they imagine the ‘old neighborhood.’
 
JNDC is partnering with Chicago Jewish Historical Society to present a photographic retrospective chronicling the family and community life, the constancy and change, the relationships, the values, and the creative resilience of our storied community.   
 
We hope the images will spark a memory, kindle a feeling of pride, and touch your heart, wherever you grew up and wherever you reside today.”
 
This month-long exhibition will open with a program and reception, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.

JNDC will be seeking sponsors for this unique event. For more information contact ellen@jndcchicago.org.

Chicago’s City Council has approved a new ward map, and in the compromise patchwork that emerged following months of aldermanic bickering, the Jewish community stayed cohesive in the 50th Ward.

JNDC president Beverly Siegel had been asked to testify earlier in the year at two City Council Rules Committee meetings convened to consider redistricting proposals. At issue was where to trim numbers off certain northside wards that had grown disproportionately, to keep all wards roughly equal in size.

Speaking on behalf of maintaining a strong Jewish minority in the 50th Ward, Siegel stated that the Jewish community in West Rogers Park has a massive personal and communal investment, which is why JNDC is committed to enhancing and improving the neighborhood – to keep the community confident in the future there.

“Our goal is to raise the value proposition of West Rogers Park, and in doing that, we make the neighborhood better for all 50th Ward residents.”

Siegel also cited the facts of Chicago Jewish history: West Rogers Park is the longest-standing and sole-surviving major Jewish neighborhood in Chicago. Along with contiguous streets in neighboring Peterson Park, she said, “there are other Chicago neighborhoods where Jews reside, but there is no other major Jewish neighborhood in the city. It would be a travesty – and a historic loss to Chicago – to divide the community.”

JNDC advocacy helped draw attention to the pigeon problem menacing some businesses and shoppers on Devon leading to SSA approval of funds for pigeon abatement at six locations. Noting that humans were part of the problem, JNDC pushed for the posting of signs discouraging people from feeding the pigeons. As a result, signs in four languages are now posted along Devon.