UJA is excited to offer a brand-new program for Jewish youth in grades 6–8! Project Chesed is designed for middle schoolers to learn about hands-on volunteerism by way of Jewish values.

This initial cohort will cover the topic of food insecurity—a pervasive issue that affects one in four households in our city, including many members of the Jewish community. Over this four-month program, your pre-teen will learn what causes food insecurity, explore how Jewish values guide our responsibility to help, reflect on how small acts of service can make a big difference, and much more.

Project Chesed is a great opportunity to empower this generation’s youth with the values of tzedakah (charity), kehilla (community), anava (humility), and arevut (mutual responsibility).

Important Information

• Sessions will take place once a month from 6:00–8:00 PM:
  • Thursday, January 29: Understanding Food Insecurity
  • Monday, February 23: Packing Mishloach Manot
  • Sunday, March 22: Delivering Passover Boxes*
  • Thursday, April 30: What’s My Role in the Bigger Picture?
• Participants must attend all four sessions to qualify for a completion certificate.
• Limited spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
• The cost to participate is $54 total.
• Each session will be run by a professional facilitator.
• A pizza dinner will be served at each session—kashrut observed.

Register by January 12, 2026

*A parent/guardian is required to attend the third session, as it involves delivering Passover boxes in a car.

If you have any questions, please contact Tamara at [email protected].