Teen Programming

TOV Teen Programming enables teens, ages 12-18, to fulfill the Jewish mitzvah of tikkun olam, repairing the world. Whether you are looking for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah project, need to complete chesed or community service hours, or just want to help the community, TOV can help you find a volunteer opportunity that meets your needs and interests.

TOV-Teen E-mail List

TOV sends out a monthly email newsletter filled with current teen-friendly volunteer opportunities. Sign up now.

TOV MTV: Tikkun Olam Volunteers – Monthly Teen Volunteering

TOV MTV gives Jewish teenagers the opportunity to take part in unique monthly community service projects, such as helping the environment, visiting the elderly, fighting hunger and poverty, or assisting people with disabilities. Participants will meet other teens from around Chicagoland and earn volunteer hours for school, all while making a difference in their community! Sign up for more information about this new and exciting program!

B'nai Mitzvah Projects

Preparing for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is not just about learning a Torah portion. It's about becoming a responsible member of the Jewish community. Incorporating service into a b’nai mitzvah is an important part of Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. TOV's comprehensive B’nai Mitzvah guide, Making Mitzvot Part of Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah (PDF), outlines several types of service projects that are appropriate for Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and their families.

For additional ideas, read about other students’ Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects.

High School

Many high schools have community service requirements for graduation. TOV can help you fulfill this requirement and have fun while doing it! You can contact TOV and create an individualized volunteer project based on your interests or you can sign up for one of TOV's many Special Projects. TOV is happy to certify the number of community service hours you have completed with us.

Jewish Youth Groups

TOV works with Chicagoland Jewish youth group directors and teen members to help plan chapter and regional volunteer programs. TOV can help you brainstorm in house and on-site project ideas. Ideas include coordinating a collection drive, making activity books for Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS), serving meals at the JUF Uptown Cafe and volunteering at Israel Solidarity Day. For help planning your program, contact TOV.

JUF Uptown Cafe Teen Night

Whether you need social service hours or are just looking for a great volunteer opportunity, you can sign up to volunteer with other teens for teen nights at the Cafe.  Teens must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.  Most teen nights occur on public holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day and President’s Day.  Volunteer spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.