Or Tzedek’s Winter Leadership Retreat

Last week, 15 amazing high school and college students came together as a community to visit community partner organizations, learn leadership and organizing skills, explore Chicago, and take action. These youth leaders, activists and organizers gathered for the first annual Winter Leadership Retreat, created by Or Tzedek, JCUA’s Jewish teen institute for social justice. 

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Workshops, actions and fun, oh my!

By Rebecca Katz
Winter Leadership Retreat Program Director  

What’s in a mission?

Or Tzedek leadership member Sophie Leff planned our first workshop of the retreat. To get to the bottom of what it means to be a part of JCUA’s Jewish teen institute for social justice, Sophie guided us in the deconstruction of the words that comprise the organization’s name. Using Post-it notes, we wrote our own definitions for “Jewish,” “Council,” “Urban,” and “Affairs.” Through this exercise, we spoke about JCUA’s mission: to combat poverty, racism and anti-Semitism in partnership with Chicago’s diverse communities.

Introducing Rebecca Katz, New Or Tzedek Teen Programs Coordinator

Rebecca Katz

Hello Or Tzedek activists!

My name is Rebecca and I‘d like to introduce myself as the new teen programs coordinator for Or Tzedek. I am very excited to take on this incredible opportunity and help the program grow.

Teens have ability to create concrete change and inspire mobilization in Chicago’s diverse communities and I cannot wait to collaborate with you on projects for social justice. By using practical steps to become involved in Chicago’s social justice organizations, Or Tzedek activists are the antidote to the myth of uncaring modern youth.