Chicago Jewish Historical Society

10/12/2026

***Madron Gallery presents The Fine Art of Madron Gallery***

Madron Gallery presents The Fine Art of Madron Gallery, an exhibition celebrating Madron’s 25th anniversary and the legacy of the 19th and 20th century artists we represent. On view October 15 through December 18th, 2026, the exhibition explores twenty-five artworks by twenty-five artists that Madron has analyzed, discussed, and exhibited. Madron endeavors to create connection across decades, mediums, and genres - exploring the humanity captured by generations of artists through scholarly research and debate.

https://www.madrongallery.com/campaigns/view-campaign/shCpZM3c4pLpVR5aFX9GrX0tN-4gI01M_8gfUTjf_2sWBe9CBKK4BJRFjJhNexiiVuhlZre_jcFVIDjYT_nku91J2MaY02vj?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=6ac51b341a0ae06f4302139f&ss_email_id=6ac53d657b5190032e17f875&ss_campaign_name=Join+us+next+Thursday%21&ss_campaign_sent_date=2026-10-06T18%3A27%3A42Z

10/09/2026

"Chicago’s Jewish History Is Hiding in Plain Sight"

From the blog of Dan Spiegel at The Times of Israel

10/09/2026

We had an outstanding "Jewish Builders of Chicago" walking tour yesterday!

Dan Spiegel created the walking tour for the Chicago Architecture Center. Yesterday, he and Cheryl Urow led a total of 40 eager participants in this sold-out Chicago Jewish Historical Society event. It was a fantastic tour on a glorious sunny day in our ever-inspiring downtown Chicago.

Thank you to Patti Ray for her diligent work in organizing this program.

10/09/2026

***Performance: Dear Rhoda***

Monday, November 16, 2026
7:00 PM-9:15 PM
Glessner House 1800 S. Prairie Avenue Chicago, IL 60616

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago comes to Glessner House for one night only, to present a theatrical reading, with music, of the play Dear Rhoda, by David Ranney and Donna Russell, adapted by Peter Garino.

In the vibrant chaos of 1920s Chicago, Jerry and Rhoda find each other at the Dil Pickle Club—a bohemian haven for artists, radicals, and free thinkers. Drawn together by shared ideals and an undeniable connection, their love ignites. But as a devastating disease spreads, prejudice tightens its grip, and society teeters on the edge of change, will their bond endure? Inspired by the real-life letters of Chicago bookseller Jerry Nedwick and featuring iconic figures like Carl Sandburg, Clarence Darrow, and F***y Brice, this captivating tale comes to life.

Free admission, but advance registration required as space is limited.

Co-sponsored by Glessner House and the Edgar Miller Legacy

Register: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/events/dear-rhoda

10/09/2026

***Take Action to Stop National Archives and Records Administration Closures | National Council on Public History**"

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is planning to close its regional archives in San Francisco and Chicago, putting public access to important regional historical records at risk. These facilities hold collections that document the histories of communities, organizations, and in...

10/09/2026

***Jewish sites at Open House Chicago, October 17-18, 2026***

Explore one of the largest architecture and urban festivals in the world as Open House Chicago returns to celebrate 16 years of architecture, culture and community. This free public festival offers behind-the-scenes access to more than 200 sites, including many that are not normally open to the public.

https://openhousechicago.org/

These are sites of Jewish interest. Some of these are mentioned below. See the Open House Chicago website for more photos and details.

Synagogues
-- Chicago Loop Synagogue
-- KAM Isaiah Israel
-- Temple Sholom

Theaters
-- Auditorium Theater, designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, completed 1889
-- 2 Balaban and Katz Theaters, Central Park Theater and Uptown Theater

Arts
-- Narrow Bridge Arts Club, formerly Bnai Bezalel

Other sites
-- Koval Distillery. est. 2008. First boutique distillery in Chicago. Kosher and organic certified.
-- Horner Park Nature Play Space 2741 W. Montrose. Named for Henry Horner, first Jewish governor of Illinois (1933-1940).

10/07/2026

***Movie Palaces and the Balaban and Katz Legacy***

This talk by Robin Simon is in conjunction with a new Chicago Public Library exhibit, currently at the Uptown and Legler branch libraries. An expanded exhibit will open at the Harold Washington Library in May, 2027, Jewish Heritage Month, for a 3-month run.

The Chicago Jewish Historical Society is a community partner for these exhibits.

https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6ab4336965abe8002a7b985b

10/05/2026

***The former Roumanian Synagogue, Shaarei Shomayim (Gates of Heaven) synagogue***

The City of Chicago has awarded $167,000 through the Adopt-A-Landmark Program to the Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3622 W. Douglass Blvd.

This landmarks building is the former Roumanian Synagogue, Shaarei Shomayim (Gates of Heaven) synagogue. The congregation was originally formed by Roumanian Jewish immigrants in the Maxwell Street area. After a number of relocations it relocated to 3622 W. Douglass Blvd., where it became one of the largest and most active shuls in the Lawndale area.

A highlight in its history was when Queen Marie of Roumania attended services at the shul on her visit to the USA in 1926.

The grant will be used to help repair the parapet on the church's annex building, purchase new exterrior doors and cover interior drywall and plaster work.

The Stone Temple Baptist Church has preserved much of the Jewish decoration and was a frequent stop for CJHS tours led by Dr. Irving Cutler, Leah Axelrod, and Dr. Ed Mazur.

10/01/2026

***Hear Jewish Chicago Documentarian Dan Protess November 1***

Dear Chicago Jewish Historical Society (CJHS) members and friends,

We are delighted to let you know about a great program coming up this fall:

What: Jewish Chicago: 1833 to 1948 and Jewish Chicago: 1948 and Beyond
When: Sunday, November 1, 2 p.m.
Where: Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston
Who: Dan Protess, who co-produced, with Chicago public television personality Geoffrey Baer, the Jewish Chicago: 1833 to 1948 and Jewish Chicago 1948 and Beyond documentaries for Chicago’s WTTW in the early 2000s
Cost: Free

Join us for a lively conversation with Dan Protess, who will talk about the development of these highly regarded documentaries and discuss how the Chicago Jewish landscape has changed since their release two decades ago. He will also screen a portion of one of the two documentaries, whose participants include many local Jewish luminaries, such as:

-Writer Scott Turow
-Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
-Actor and filmmaker Harold Ramis
-Actor Mike Nussbaum
-Our very own CJHS cofounder Dr. Irving Cutler, who was considered the preeminent Chicago Jewish historian

No registration is necessary. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive by 1:45 p.m. There is ample metered parking, free on Sundays, at the library garages and on streets surrounding the library.

We hope that you can join us for this outstanding presentation. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Dr. Rachelle Gold
President

Rabbi Moshe Simkovich
Vice President

09/30/2026

***THE OCTOBER 8 "JEWISH BUILDERS OF CHICAGO" WALKING TOUR IS SOLD OUT. WE CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE RESERVATIONS.***

If you are interested in a possible future "Jewish Builders" tour, indicate your interest by emailing us at [email protected].