FAQ's

FAQ's (frequently asked questions or Fantastically absorbing queries )

q: who will be staffing the retreat?

A: Meet our amazing leadership retreat staff! The participants will be accompanied by staff at all times throughout the program, including during any free time.

Rebecca Katz, Or tzedek Teen Programs Coordinator

Rebecca graduated from Vassar College with a BA in American Culture, concentrating in Studio Art and History. For her junior year abroad, she studied post-conflict transformation in the Balkans. Read more!

Miriam Grossman, JCUA community organizer

Miriam is a community organizer and coordinator of the Jewish-Muslim Community Building Initiative at JCUA. She is deeply passionate about JCUA’s mission of empowering communities from within. Read more!

rachel patterson, Summer Program Staff 2011

An alumna of the Or Tzedek summer program, and now back as a staff person, Rachel transferred to Loyola University Chicago this fall. She is a pre-med student with a particular interest in addressing issues that arise in the medical field that directly effect underserved populations. Read more!

Q: What is the program overview?

A: The program is an 3-day winter leadership retreat, Dec.28-30, for Jewish high school students (participants much have completed Grade 9) and Or Tzedek participants both in high school and college. Teens strengthen their Jewish identity and clarify their commitment to social justice through hands-on experiences.

Throughout the leadership retreat, the teens will explore communities all around Chicago, learning about the challenges they face, the actions they are taking for change, and much more! Teens will participate in volunteer service projects, as well as gain the leadership skills necessary to effect social change. At the leadership retreat, we will be focusing on the theme of youth empowerment and activism. During our workshops, we will discuss youth participation in past and current social movements, as well as effective organizing and activism strategies. Our actions during the retreat will center around partnering with teens from Chicago's diverse communities to act on issues of housing and immigration justice.

The program also includes prominent Jewish educators and leaders who will facilitate workshops about Jewish values and social justice. Please note that we seek diversity within the Jewish community for all of our programs. Therefore, we are non-denominational and invite participants from all Jewish backgrounds who share a desire for social justice.

Q: That sounds so exciting! How do I register?

Click here to register!

Q: Can I get Community Service hours for participating in Or tzedek?

A: Yes! Past participants have applied their work with Or Tzedek for 30 to 40 hours of Service Learning credits!

q: Where will Participants be staying during the retreat?

A: The Leadership retreat will be housed at Hostelling International Chicago, the same accommodations as the Or Tzedek Summer Program.

The hostel is located within walking distance of JCUA's offices in the Spertus Building and allows Or Tzedek to be based in the heart of downtown Chicago. This neighborhood is safe, fun and easy to get to from anywhere in Chicago.

q: How will the program handle Dietary restrictions?

A: We want to make sure that everybody is comfortable with the food choices available. As such, different dietary needs including vegetarian, lactose-free, nut-free, as well as a certified Kosher option will be available.

Q: Where will the workshops take place?

A: We will be using facilities at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies, including classrooms, dining room, and multi-purpose spaces. We will also use spaces at Hostelling International Chicago.

Q: How will the teens be traveling around Chicago?

A: Transportation will primarily include passenger vans. On occasion we will use public transit and walking when possible and appropriate. Participants are accompanied at all time by staff throughout the program.

Q: When and where should the participants be dropped off and picked up?

A: On Wednesday, December 28, the participants should be dropped off at 2pm at Hostelling International Chicago. On Friday, December 30, pick-up is scheduled for noon at Hostelling International Chicago. HI-Chicago is located at 24 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL.