Lauren Schmidt

Lauren Schmidt is the marketing and communications manager at Shorashim, where she has the opportunity to combine her passions of writing, marketing, social media, traveling and, of course, Israel.

Originally from Wilmette, Illinois, Lauren spent her college years at George Washington University studying journalism and mass communications before returning to the best city in the world, Chicago. (Don't worry, Tel Aviv is very close second!)

Fueled by Diet Coke and iced coffee, Lauren can be found exploring the city, spending time with her family and friends, taking pictures (especially of food), watching Friends or SVU reruns, and listening to her eclectic Spotify library. She loves Chicago sports and should probably have her mail forwarded to Wrigley Field at this point. She is so excited to be blogging for Oy!Chicago!

Articles by this Author

Lauren Schmidt

Failure is (Sometimes) an Option

In my early- to mid-20s, I grew to despise failure.

by Lauren SchmidtMarch 27, 2018

On My Mind

It Seems Like Lessons Keep Fallin’ in My Lap

Self-growth is, of course, a process, but as I reflected on the recent years, it became clear how countless lessons seemed to shape my progression from early 20s to late 20s.

by Lauren SchmidtApril 14, 2017

Sports & Fitness

The Cubs: My Team, My Family

Some things you grow to love over time. Some things you are born into. For me, being a Chicago Cubs fan is the strongest combination of both -- and then some.

by Lauren SchmidtOctober 26, 2016

On My Mind

My Chicago Summer Bucket List

Here’s an ambitious list of what I want to accomplish before the leaves start changing colors.

by Lauren SchmidtJuly 28, 2016

A Jew You Should Know

8 Questions for Ashley O’Brien: Creator of Hebrewish Designs, hip-hop and Hebrew enthusiast, Israel-lover

Toward the end of last year, Ashley O'Brien put her love of Hebrew, rap lyrics, puns and graphic design to good use by starting Hebrewish Designs, an Etsy shop that quickly went viral on Twitter, Instagram and beyond.

by Lauren SchmidtFebruary 2, 2016

From the Archives

What They Don’t Teach You in School

Last weekend, a high schooler I work with asked me when I graduated from college. I told her 2012. “Wow! That was soooo long ago,” she said, without a gleam of sarcasm.

by Lauren Schmidt2016-03-10

From the Archives

This Year

“This supposed to be ya'll year/we ain't get the memo.” This Nicki/Drake collaboration couldn't be more applicable to how and what I feel when I reflect on the happenings of any past year.

by Lauren Schmidt2015-10-19