Jewish Travel Guide to Chicago

**Overview**
Known for its iconic skyline and friendly Midwestern vibe, Chicago offers an engaging mix of world‑class arts, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving Jewish community. The “Windy City” is situated on Lake Michigan, providing beautiful lakefront parks and beaches alongside skyscrapers and historic architecture.

**Jewish Heritage & Community**
Chicago has been home to Jewish immigrants since the 19th century. Visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie, which uses interactive exhibits and survivor testimonies to educate visitors about the Holocaust and human rights. Downtown, the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership houses the Edith B. and Joel R. Weiner Museum, with rotating exhibits highlighting Jewish history and culture. Historical synagogues include Anshe Emet Synagogue in Lakeview, founded in 1873, and KAM Isaiah Israel in Hyde Park, Chicago’s oldest Jewish congregation. For a taste of Chicago’s Jewish deli culture, stroll through the historic Maxwell Street Market, once the hub of immigrant life.

**Kosher Dining**
Chicago boasts a wide array of kosher options. In West Rogers Park and Skokie, you’ll find restaurants like Tel Aviv Kosher Pizza, Emma’s Bagel Café, and Shallots Bistro (steakhouse and sushi). Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed near Lakeview serves smoked meats and house‑made sauces while supporting local charities. North Shore favorites include Great Chicago Food & Beverage Co., Sandwich Club, and Mizrahi Grill. For grab‑and‑go, many Mariano’s and Jewel‑Osco supermarkets carry certified kosher products.

**Shabbat & Synagogues**
The West Rogers Park and Skokie neighborhoods are hubs for Orthodox Jewish life, with numerous synagogues, mikvahs, and kosher markets. Congregations like Shaarei Tzedek Mishkan Yair, Hebrew Theological College, and Congregation Yehuda Moshe offer daily services. The Loop Synagogue caters to downtown workers and visitors, while suburban communities offer a full spectrum of Conservative and Reform synagogues such as North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah, and Temple Jeremiah. Many hotels near downtown and in the North Shore can provide Shabbat keys and help arrange for kosher meals.

**Must‑See Attractions**
Beyond Jewish sites, Chicago is packed with attractions. Walk along the lakefront at Millennium Park and snap a photo at “The Bean,” then head to the Art Institute of Chicago to view masterpieces from around the world. Take in the views from the Willis Tower Skydeck or 360 CHICAGO at the John Hancock Center. Families will enjoy the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium. The Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park is another must‑see. Explore neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and Pilsen for boutique shops, murals, and cafés.

**Travel Tips**
Chicago’s weather is famously variable—pack layers and be prepared for wind and sudden changes. The city’s grid layout and public transit make it easy to navigate; the ‘L’ train system connects downtown to many neighborhoods and to O’Hare and Midway airports. For suburban attractions like the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and many kosher restaurants, renting a car or using ride‑share services may be more convenient. Metered street parking is plentiful but check signs for restrictions. During winter, snow can slow travel; summer brings festivals and outdoor concerts. Plan ahead, dress for the elements, and enjoy the Windy City’s blend of Midwestern hospitality and vibrant Jewish culture.