Meet Jewish DJ of the Week Alex Kislov

Meet Jewish DJ of the Week, Alex Kislov. During the day, Alex is a campaign associate at the Russian-speaking Jewish Division (RJD) of JUF but at night, Alex is a viral DJ and producer. Read all about Alex, his background, his interests, and more.

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Where did you grow up?

I was born in Israel and moved to Buffalo Grove at the age of 11.

What did you do Jewish growing up?

I used to go to the JCC Center in Northbrook with my mom when I was really young and she was teaching Hebrew there. I attended a few JCC retreats but didn’t really get into my Jewish involvement until college.

Where did you go to school?

Stevenson High School and DePaul University.

What do you do for work?

Well, I have been a DJ and producer for the past 15 years and currently, I am the campaign associate for the Russian-speaking Jewish Division at JUF. 

What do you do Jewish now?

Pretty much my entire daytime work is based around RJD and Jewish involvement. Essentially, I am considered a Jewish Professional currently.

DJing is not my hobby, it is my lifestyle.

Alex Kislov

What is your favorite way to spend Shabbat?

I am normally DJing or coordinating events on the weekends. When I do have a chance to celebrate Shabbat I love to be with my family and friends around the table. 

Top three things on your Chicago bucket list?

I’ve been blessed enough to have achieved many bucket list items in Chicago but if I have to pick 3 more things I really want to do it would currently be: 

1. Scuba Dive in Lake Michigan

2. Attend a street festival/parade

3. Rollerblade the entire Lake Shore Drive path 

What is your favorite Jewish Chicago event?

RJD throws a Shabbat dinner on Kayaks on the river in the summer and last year it was truly magical to break bread with 20 other people floating on kayaks while the sun was setting. 

What do you do for fun/to relax? 

My life is currently compartmentalized into three sections. My day job is working for RJD, my passion is my music, DJing, producing music, and touring, and the last one is my family and friends. In between those compartments, there is very little time left to actually relax so I do heavily enjoy alone time on my couch and going to the beach anywhere is a huge gift. 

What’s your go-to self-care? 

Alone time, swimming, exercising, doing yoga, and being actively involved in my social circle.

What are some of your hobbies?

Some of my hobbies are fishing, scuba diving, sailing, and pretty much anything involved with water. DJing is not my hobby, it is my lifestyle. The reason I call it a lifestyle is because everything I have done over the last fifteen years has been to supplement, support, and advance my career as a musician. 

What have you learned about yourself during the Pandemic?

I learned that I am a pretty decent cook. At least my girlfriend and roommates claim so 😀 

How do you stay motivated during the Pandemic?

I had so much more free time to finally get creative and write music without any distractions and honestly, I did not need any motivation to write, I just needed time. 

Favorite takeout spot during the Pandemic?

Anything Asian food you can count me in!

Best virtual resource for people working from home?

Depends. JUF has really great resources that the team is constantly working to improve and update based on community needs. The best resource is a good mental state of mind. 

What is the best piece of wisdom you’ve received from your (or any) Jewish Mother?

My mother taught me everything I know so it’s hard to choose one. One piece of wisdom from her that has resonated to this day is “Everything that you want can be manifested and achieved, but only if you put in the time and work for it”. 

If you could get a meal with any famous Jewish person (living or not), who would it be and why? 

Gal Gadot of course but also Adam Sandler because they are entertainment geniuses and I feel like I would have a lot to talk about with them. With Gal, we probably wouldn’t have to say a word. 

When the Tribe gathers… you will go further than you would alone. 

Alex Kislov

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Learn more on Alex’s website

Watch Alex’s music videos on YouTube

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ChiTribe Jewish Person of the Week

ChiTribe Jewish Person of the Week