How one Chicago family turned family values into action, strengthening Jewish education for generations to come.
When Rabbi Shmuel and Jessica Zimmerman got married, supporting Jewish education wasn’t a decision they had to deliberate over. It was simply part of who they are.
“Both my wife and I grew up in Chicago, where both of our homes were deeply connected to Kehillah Fund,” Rabbi Zimmermanshares. “Both of our parents have been donating to Kehillah Fund since its inception.”
This foundation of giving created a natural path forward. “When we got married, it felt natural to continue that legacy,” Jessica shares. But their commitment to Jewish education extends far beyond family tradition; it’s rooted in their lived experiences across Chicago’s educational landscape.
A Personal Connection to Every School
The Zimmerman family’s connection to Jewish education runs deep. Jessica attended Hillel Torah as a child and then Ida Crown Jewish Academy for high school. Rabbi Zimmerman’s path took him through Arie Crown Hebrew Day School and then Skokie Yeshiva.
Now, with five children of their own – three boys at YTT and two girls, future JDBY-YTT students – plus extended family throughout the system, they’ve touched nearly every corner of Chicago’s Jewish day school community.
“We feel connected to most of the Jewish day schools between our nieces, nephews, and our own children,” Jessica explains. “We’re so appreciative that there’s a school for every child.”
The Philosophy Behind Monthly Giving
For the Zimmermans, monthly giving isn’t just a convenience; it’s fundamental to how Jewish institutions should be sustained. That’s why they have been consistent in donating to Kehillah Fund each month for 7 years and counting.
“Monthly giving is just a natural extension of the benefits we receive from our schools and yeshivas. Every single day, we benefit from the schools,” Rabbi Zimmermanexplains. “Monthly giving is a way to always have it in your mind. It’s consistent. It’s the way that institutions are sustainable.”
Rabbi Zimmerman’sperspective is informed by his firsthand experience, where he witnessed the practical impact. From his shulleadership experience, he understands the operational reality: “The monthly givers are the ones that are the foundation of the show. Once we have the monthly givers, then we know that we can pay our bills, and then everything else is for all the surprises.”
He draws a parallel to personal financial planning: “Everybody knows that savings compound over time…we know that if you start now, then the compound interest will start earlier.”
From Giving to Getting Involved: Nourish to Flourish
The Zimmermans are invested in the schools in multiple ways. Last year, they launched “Nourish to Flourish,” addressing nutrition in their children’s school, JDBY-YTT. What started as conversations with their principal grew into a comprehensive initiative.
In November 2024, Jessica hosted an event that drew 220 women to hear from a dietitian and nutritionist. The response exceeded expectations, leading to expanded programming, including a prize store to reduce candy incentives, improved snack and siyum options school-wide, and educational programs for teachers and students.
Their advice for other parents considering similar involvement? “Don’t be afraid to respectfully approach your administration. They’re there to help. They want the parents to be happy. They want their students to thrive. And really, any parent could do it with enough initiative.”
The key, Jessica emphasizes, is simply getting started: “We just plunged in, one step after another. Approach your administration and see what needs are in your school that you could help out with. They would be more than thrilled to have you on board.”
The Bigger Picture
For the Zimmermans, supporting Jewish education is central to being part of the community. “Our children’s education is the number one thing that makes the community a community,” Rabbi Zimmerman reflects. “And so strengthening that is absolutely crucial. I think that’s where your number one priority should be as a member of our kehillah.”
What would they tell someone considering a monthly donation to Kehillah Fund? “Take the plunge. It’s an impactful way to strengthen the schools and the community. Just think about what you’re gaining from our schools. Even if you don’t have children or grandchildren, maybe you have friends or relatives who are benefiting.”
Hope for the Future
Looking ahead, the Zimmermans see tremendous reason for optimism. “Chicago really is a remarkable community. There are so many dedicated individuals who are stepping up to make it stronger,” Rabbi Zimmermanshares. “I can’t even compare to what it was 20 years ago. It gives us tremendous hope for the future.”
That hope is built on the foundation of families like theirs, who understand that strengthening Jewish education requires both consistent financial support and active community involvement.
The Zimmermans welcome other parents interested in school nutrition initiatives to contact them at nourishtoflourishevent@gmail.com. To join Kehillah Fund’s community of monthly donors, visit kehillahfund.org/donate.
