Reboot

For the kinds of Jews who describe their Jewish ties as Jew-ish, Reboot may be the answer to the missing cultural connection. Reboot reinvigorates traditions by producing events, exhibitions, digital tools and platforms, books, recordings, films, and more to reimagine Jewish lives full of meaning, creativity, and joy. Its programs are far reaching, creative, and accessible to engage people found even on the furthest margins of Jewish life. “Rebooters,” as community members are called, ask themselves: Who am I? What have I inherited? What, if anything, do I want to do about it? These questions and the inspiration that come from them guide Reboot’s approach to engagement and help it attract Jews with high-quality, low-barrier cultural opportunities to build authentic relationships, experiences, and community. Reboot affirms the value of Jewish traditions and creates new ways (really fun ones) for individuals and communities to make them their own.

Reboot’s vibe is unique, experiential, and DIY. In 2016, Reboot piloted a national expansion plan and now introduces, produces, and implements programming in Chicago. Reboot has 35 existing community partner organizations in Chicago. (Yes, they have friends in chai places.) Reboot has been working to expand these local partnerships to create signature events. It partnered with Mishkan Chicago for its National Day of Unplugging—a digital detox influenced by and celebrating a “Shabbat” from electronics. Its 10Q High Holiday program—a digital reflection during the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—engaged participants through four events held by Chabad of Lakeview, Center for Jewish Genetics and Israeli House Chicago, and Makom. Its reBar project inspired Congregation Rodfei Zedek to hold a redo b’nai mitzvah party, and it’s gathered around tables with Slingshot and OneTable for Intimate Supper Club events. Next to hit the Windy City? Death Over Dinner: Jewish Edition, a facilitated dinner table conversation about death and people’s relationship to end-of-life questions. Reboot’s collaboration, outreach, and vast (and growing) connections in the Chicago community are helping it to kick-start new ideas and reboot old traditions across the Jewish community.