CCAR 2025

The Jewish United Fund’s Uptown Cafe is one of Chicago's first kosher anti-hunger programs for the needy. In addition to providing hot meals in a restaurant-style setting, the Uptown Cafe program brings dignity and hope to people in need. The Uptown Cafe feeds Jews and non-Jews alike and is open three days a week for dinner and on Sundays for brunch.
The CCAR will take over brunch service on the Sunday before Convention begins. There is a brief orientation at the beginning of the shift and then you will help serve brunch and chat with the guests. You will be able to eat when the brunch service concludes and/or you’re welcome to get lunch when you return to the hotel.

As a rabbi you work hard to respond to the needs of others, achieve organizational goals, and demonstrate competency in a wide variety of disciplines. But there’s a paradox. It turns out that extraordinary levels of effort, achievement, and performance do not guarantee meaning. In fact, in the absence of one ingredient, rabbis who do all of these things regularly burn out. That one ingredient is purpose—a clear articulation of the “why” behind your rabbinate. Rabbis who are clear about, and committed to, purpose experience greater satisfaction, more resilience, and better health. Job descriptions may look very similar across the rabbinate but purpose is personal and highly individualized.
In this workshop you will:

• Articulate your rabbinic “superpowers” and the contribution you seek to make through your rabbinate
• Write an initial statement of your rabbinic purpose that will become the “true north” for choices you make
• Identify three shifts that will enable you to more fully embody your rabbinic purpose

What was once home to Chicago's Czech, Irish, German, and Polish population is now the center of Chicago's Mexican-American and Latino culture. In addition to its rich immigrant history, Pilsen is a virtual outdoor art museum with unparalleled vibrant outdoor murals that tell the story of Latin America's political leaders, its religious icons, its ancient Aztecan, Mayan and Olmecan cultures and the present-day struggles of the working class.

Pilsen is also a culinary immersion experience and you will be able to sample your way through the neighborhood as you learn about the art and architecture. You will sample a variety of authentic Mexican delicacies from bakery items, coffee or drinking chocolate, to tacos, street corn and some ice cream to round it out. You will meet the people who make the food at each stop where they will share their stories with you.

Please note: This will not be a full meal but you will not leave hungry! All food samples will be vegetarian; gluten/dairy free options can be accommodated as long as we know in advance.

Dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes for walking outdoors.

• CCAR Press Toast