Be part of something special happening in Chicago
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Sketchpad, Chicago
The Chicago Day of Learning is a regional gathering rooted in the strength, creativity, and sacred care already flourishing across Chicago and the Midwest. Through inspiring speakers, practical learning, and meaningful connection, participants will exchange ideas, build relationships, and strengthen the ways Jewish communities show up for one another in moments of loss, transition, and vulnerability.
This is more than a conference happening in Chicago. It is a gathering growing from Chicago—elevating local voices, celebrating the work already underway, and connecting participants to Kavod v’Nichum’s broader national movement.
Keep scrolling for registration information, FAQ, and a sample schedule for the day.
Judith Joseph
Read Bio
Rabbi Dr. Joseph S. Ozarowski
Read Bio
More educators will be shared here soon!
Below is the schedule for October 25th. Stay tuned as we continue to announce workshops, educators, speakers, and special guests!
With gratitude to our Planning Committee
Deborah Brown
Suzanne Coffey
Miriam Derman
Elizabeth Feldman
Max Puchtel
Leah Shefsky
Judy Yacker
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Chicago Day Learning being held?
The Day of Learning will be held both in-person and online (Zoom).
In-person, we will be at Sketchpad in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago.
What will be included in the online program?
Online participants will join us via livestream for Dr. Jane Shapiro’s keynote address and two selected workshops from the day. We are also exploring an online closing gathering. Final workshop details and the full online schedule will be shared as they are confirmed. The streamed sessions will also be recorded and available to participants following the Day of Learning.
Who is this experience for?
Whether you serve on a Chevra Kadisha or are simply drawn to how Jewish end-of-life traditions continue to evolve, this experience is for you.
We’re gathering people who feel curious about this work and want to explore it more deeply, together. Some participants will come with years of experience in Chevra Kadisha or Jewish communal life, others are just beginning to ask questions or find their way in.
If you’re interested in how ritual, care, and community show up at the end of life and how they take shape in lived, communal practice, you’ll be in good company.
What is the cost of the program?
We are offering the in-person experience on a sliding scale of $90 to $270, with a suggested price of $180. The online program ranges from $18 to $54, with a suggested price of $36.
For in-person, this includes the full program, a welcome gift, two meals, and snacks.
Are you offering scholarships?
Yes, we offer need-based scholarships. If you’d like to apply for a full or partial scholarship, please fill out this form.
With gratitude to the National Jewish Healing Conference for making these scholarships possible.
What does the cost cover?
Registration covers the full in-person Day of Learning experience, including the program, speakers, materials, meals, and snacks. Kavod v’Nichum is committed to accessible programming, and we use a sliding scale that allows participants to choose the rate that works best for them.
How can I register?
Registration for both in-person and online can be found here!
I want to come in for the program but do not live locally, will you help with flights or other travel bookings?
We’re excited you want to join us! Kavod v’Nichum is not able to assist with booking flights or other travel arrangements.
Several local groups have offered to help make connections for home hospitality if needed. If you’re interested in learning more, please complete this form.
What dietary accommodations and food options will be available?
All food served at the Chicago Day of Learning will be certified kosher and will be parve/dairy. When you register, we’ll ask about dietary restrictions and allergies so we can plan thoughtfully and do our best to accommodate everyone. If we have any questions, we’ll reach out directly.
What is the agenda?
We’re still shaping the specific sessions and speakers, but the day will include a mix of keynote learning, breakout workshops to choose from, shared meals, and time to connect with others doing sacred care work across Chicago and the broader region.
Draft schedule:
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Registration and breakfast |
| 9:30 am | Opening keynote with Dr. Jane Shapiro |
| 11:00 am | Morning learning sessions |
| 12:15 pm | Community lunch |
| 1:30 pm | Afternoon learning sessions |
| 3:00 pm | Closing keynote with Rabbi Josh Feigelson |
| 4:30 pm | Day concludes |
Breaks will be built in as well, and we’ll continue to update the agenda as speakers and sessions are confirmed.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever helps you feel comfortable and present for a full day of learning, meals, and conversation. Most people will likely be in casual or business-casual clothing. We recommend layers, since room temperatures can vary.
Is the space accessible?
Yes. The Chicago Day of Learning will take place at an accessible venue. If you have specific access needs or questions, please let us know when you register so we can plan thoughtfully and follow up as needed.
How do I pay / what are my payment options?
Registration is paid by credit card during the online registration process. We are not able to accept checks, cash, or payment at the door.
Is there a deadline to register?
Registration will close on October 20, or earlier if we sell out. Space is very limited, so we encourage you to register early.
What is your cancellation policy?
For in-person registration, there is a non-refundable administrative fee of $10, which is included in the listed cost. All cancellations must be made in writing by email to hello@kavodvnichum.org by October 9 to receive a 100% refund, minus the administrative fee. Cancellations made after that will receive no refund.
For online registrations, there is a non-refundable administrative fee of $5, which is included in the listed cost. Online registrations must be canceled in writing by email to hello@kavodvnichum.org by October 23 to receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made after that will receive no refund.
Who do I contact with more questions?
We’re here for you! Email us anytime at hello@kavodvnichum.org for anything — from registration questions to dietary needs, accessibility, a great idea, or just to say hello.
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors who help make the Chicago Day of Learning possible. Your support allows us to gather, teach, feed, welcome, and strengthen a growing community of people committed to Jewish sacred care.
Would you like to join us? Learn more about sponsorship options here, or sign up to become a sponsor here.
Josh has led the Institute for Jewish Spirituality since 2020. He received ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School in 2005, and served for six years as the Hillel Rabbi at Northwestern University, where he also earned a PhD in Religious Studies. In 2011, Josh helped found and served as Executive Director of Ask Big Questions, an initiative of Hillel International, which won the inaugural Lippman-Kanfer Prize for Applied Jewish Wisdom. Prior to joining IJS he served as Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Divinity School. He is the author of Eternal Questions: Reflections, Conversations, and Jewish Mindfulness Practices for the Weekly Torah Portion (Ben Yehuda Press, 2022) and hosts the Soulful Jewish Living podcast, co-produced by IJS and Unpacked. Josh lives with his wife Natalie and their three sons in Skokie, IL.
Jane loves to explore new ways to bring Jewish wisdom into conversation with the lives we lead today.
Her classes, ranging from the Torah to Jewish thought, history, and literature, have been continuing weekly for almost forty years. She is a graduate of Princeton University and received her doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary. In 2017, Jane received an Educators Award from the Covenant Foundation. In 2018, she was featured in an Eli talk on “The Torah of Bubbiehood.” She lives in Skokie, Illinois with her husband David. She is also mother to four sons, mother-in-law to three daughters, and grandmother to six.
Rabbi Micah Shapiro is a musician and composer who enriches Jewish communities around the country with his distinct blend of musical and spiritual leadership. The founder of Boston’s Shabbat Nariya, he currently serves as founder and spiritual leader of Nariya Cleveland. Micah’s third album, set for release in January 2027, featured the 66 person Nariya Ensemble & Community Chorus and was recorded and filmed live at Heights Theater in Cleveland Heights on June 1-3, 2026. Micah lives in Cleveland Heights with his partner Aaren and their children Ravi and Levav.