JCUA’s Or Tzedek Summer Program is an 8-day summer urban immersion program for Jewish middle and high school students.  Teens strengthen their Jewish identity and clarify their commitment to social justice through hands-on experiences.

Throughout the week, 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. That means, for example, cleaning-up a community park while also learning how to launch a successful campaign advocating for more green space in low-income communities. 

The program also includes prominent Jewish educators and leaders who will facilitate workshops about Jewish values and social justice.  Finally, the program takes full-advantage of Chicago-in-the-summer, including Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the lakefront beaches, theater, etc.

We seek diversity within the Jewish community in our programs. Therefore we are non-denominational and invite participants of all Jewish backgrounds to take part in our quest for justice.