The Ark

10/21/2026

During this year’s High Holiday Food Drive, Beth Tikvah Congregation - Hoffman Estates collected an impressive amount of food for clients at The Ark and the wider community!

As a part of our partnership, The Ark delivered non-kosher donations to the Township of Schaumburg Food Pantry so they could support families in their own community.

Thank you to Beth Tikvah and the Township of Schaumburg Food Pantry for helping us make the most of every donation and support more of our neighbors.

Want to help keep our pantry shelves stocked? Shop our Amazon Wish List and have kosher food and household items delivered directly to The Ark:https://www.amazon.com/regist.../gl/guest-view/2G6N53AKE4EEK

10/20/2026

Rabbi Brand of the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago recently joined The Ark’s Client Services leadership team for a Torah study session focused on leadership and navigating difficult decisions.

Together, they explored how Jewish teachings can guide thoughtful decision-making and inform the work we do every day.

10/16/2026

Our name has always carried a deeper meaning.

In Parshat Noach, the ark provided shelter and protection during a time of uncertainty, making new beginnings possible. It is this ark that inspired our name.

Today, that same spirit guides our mission: meeting immediate needs while helping individuals and families build stability, preserve their dignity, and move toward self-reliance.

In his latest reflection, Rabbi Shaya Hauptman explores the connection between Noach’s ark and the basket that carried baby Moshe, and what these stories teach us about protecting the futures still waiting to unfold.

Rabbi Shaya Hauptman connects Noach’s ark and Moshe’s basket to The Ark’s mission of providing dignified support through hardship and making new beginnings possible.

10/15/2026

This Case Management Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the people who help Ark clients navigate challenges and access the support they need, from housing and food security to healthcare and financial assistance.

Shimon Zeisel has spent more than 20 years helping clients with housing stability, daily living, and social connections, while Chana-Eliana provides individualized support and teaches clients how to prepare nutritious, affordable meals through weekly cooking demonstrations.

Thank you to Shimon, Chana-Eliana, and our entire case management team for the care, patience, and dedication you bring to your work every day!

10/14/2026

Members of The Ark’s staff are participating in Culturally Competent Care: Understanding and Supporting the Orthodox Jewish Community, a training organized by the JCFS Chicago Orthodox Network with stops throughout the day at Arie Crown Hebrew Day School, the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), the Chicago Mitzvah Campaign, and more.

The Ark is proud to co-sponsor the event alongside JCFS Chicago and other community organizations. Throughout the day, staff are learning more about Orthodox Jewish traditions and practices to better serve the individuals and families who turn to The Ark for support.

10/13/2026

The Ark’s kosher food pantries are now serving more than 1,000 households each month, a record number, and we need your help keeping our shelves stocked!

With grocery prices remaining high and cuts to SNAP benefits putting more pressure on household budgets, more people in our community are turning to The Ark for help putting food on the table.

Shop our Amazon Wish List and have kosher food and household items delivered directly to The Ark: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2G6N53AKE4EEK

10/06/2026

Last week, The Ark hosted two Sukkot lunches for clients on our beautiful sukkah. Staff and volunteers served lunch, and one of our staff members played violin during the meal.

We were glad to welcome our local partners from the Chicago Police Department, Officers Roger Heath and Mike Specht, who volunteered to serve meals as part of the national volunteer initiative Faith & Blue

Thank you to everyone who made Sukkot celebrations so special for our community.

09/16/2026

After rising rent, reduced SNAP benefits, and higher everyday costs left Rebecca struggling to keep up, support from The Ark’s food pantry, financial counseling, and her case manager helped her create a plan to rebuild stability and remain in her home.

This High Holiday season, help more than 5,000 Chicagoland Jews like Rebecca access the resources and support they need on their path toward self-reliance. It’s not too late to make a High Holiday gift.

https://give.arkchicago.org/highholidays/

09/15/2026

Pack the Pantry this week before Kol Nidre!

A new report from the Greater Chicago Food Depository found that more than 1 in 3 Chicago households are food insecure, including nearly 1 in 2 households with children. Here in our Jewish community, 8 out of 10 Ark clients cannot consistently afford food each month.

Klal Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh, all of Israel is responsible for one another. Now is the time to act. Help Pack The Ark's Pantry: donate dollars, shop our Amazon wish list, or drop off donations at your synagogue or at The Ark. You'll be helping your neighbors who need support.

https://arkchicago.org/packthepantry/

09/11/2026

As we welcome the New Year, our entire team would like to share our hope for a year filled with health, happiness, and peace for you, your loved ones, and the entire Jewish people.

From all of us at The Ark, we wish you a shanah tovah u’metukah.