Congrats to our February Volunteer Spotlight: Joel Spenadel! We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our incredible volunteers like you.

Joel has been volunteering with TOV since Israel Solidarity Day in 2010. Joel has participated in Good Deeds Day since 2017 and is currently serving on the GDD committee. We wanted to get to know Joel a little bit more, so he answered some of our questions below.

1. How did you first get involved with TOV/JUF?

My first involvement with TOV was as a “TOV Captain” at the Israel Solidarity Day in May 2010, but I was a JUF donor and supporter for many years before that.

2. What makes it important for you to volunteer through TOV?

I have been truly blessed with many good things in my life and feel it’s really important to serve others in need, and TOV provides so many opportunities to give back. Besides, I teach Tikkun Olam to the 10th grade Confirmation students at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard (pictured) and so I better lead by example to repair the world!

3. Are there any fun facts about you that we might not know? Feel free to also share a story or experience that has inspired you.

I am a big sports fan, especially a Cubs fan and may be the only person in the world who attended both Ernie Banks’ Hall of Fame induction and game 7 of the 2016 World Series! I have been inspired by my wife who is an amazing teacher, my daughter who has a heart of gold and my son who was born with Down Syndrome but has taught me to face everyday challenges not only with determination and effort but also with a smile and even a laugh!

We are so lucky to have Joel as part of our TOV family! To learn more about JUF’s important work in the community, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation in his honor, please visit our website.