Locals Named to Chicago's 8th Annual Jewish "36 Under 36" List

CHICAGO – Wicker Park locals Sarah Beren Karelitz, 35, and Eric Zoberman, 34, have been named to the eighth annual “Double Chai in the Chi: 36 Under 36” list of young Jewish movers and shakers in Chicago who are making major contributions through their work, in their free time, and in the Jewish community and beyond.

(The letters of the Hebrew word “chai,” which means “life,” also represent the number 18.)

Check out the list and full bios online at www.oychicago.com/36under36.

The list is compiled annually by the Jewish United Fund of Chicago’s Young Leadership Division and Oy!Chicago (oychicago.com), a website for Chicago 20- and 30-somethings.

This year's roster is replete with entrepreneurs, innovators, activists and more, and runs the gamut from doctors, lawyers, bankers and architects to jewelry designers, children’s book authors, sports anchors and jug band singers.

“Even a quick scan of the list provides a glimpse of the tremendous creativity, ingenuity, drive and philanthropy of this generation,” said Stefanie Pervos Bregman, Oy!Chicago’s co-founding editor, “and of their potential to shape and lead our community’s future.”

“It is remarkable how, year after year, we see so many new faces, so many new individuals energizing their professions and their community,” said Lisa Tarshis, past YLD Board President and former Double Chai honoree. “It says so much not just about their personal commitment, but about the environment here that nurtures such innovation and vitality. We see the power of that not only on days like this, when we announce the list, but every day, through the ideas, creativity and dedication they bring to all they do.”

The 36 winners will be honored at YLD's "WYLD" party at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Dance Studio, 59 W. Hubbard St., Chicago. The party is open to the public. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. $5 of each ticket will be donated to JUF's 2019 Annual Campaign to provide services for those in need. Register at www.juf.org/wyld.

Donations to JUF of up to $36 in recognition of a 36 under 36 honoree will be matched in full, doubling the impact and benefit to those in need in the community. Learn more and donate at https://donate.juf.org/36Under36.

“36 Under 36” is supported, in part, by the Leonard and Diane Sherman Family Foundation and its dedication to the present and future preservation of the Jewish people.