If the Avengers and the X-Men and the Fantastic Four each sent one member to form a new group that connected them all— except instead of superheroes, they were super Jewish teens— that would be JTAC.

JTAC stands for Jewish Teen Alliance of Chicago. They bring together 13 teens representing Jewish youth groups, camps, and other teen-related organizations around the Chicago area for a year of leadership development and community engagement.

Members of JTAC come from JUF, BBYO, Bnei Akiva, CFJE, JCC/Chi-Town Connection, JSC, JSU, Moving Traditions, NCSY, NFTY, Or Tzedek, Shorashim, Response, USY, Yachad, and Young Judaea.

“JTAC’s involvement in the Jewish community is truly empowering,” said JTAC participant Garren Kalter. “While enjoying a vibrant and energetic environment in the group, we productively engage ourselves and the community around us.” Garren represents Jewish Student Connection (JSC), which Helps high school students explore what being Jewish means to them.

These high schoolers act as ambassadors from their groups to each other and the JTAC. But the connections they make and the talents they develop are definitely leadership skills they build.

JTAC participants are nominated for these roles by members of the Teen Professionals Kehillah, which is also comprised of JUF and regional heads of youth groups and other teen/youth-related Jewish community organizations.

JTAC members meet regularly to talk about their groups and their programs. By sharing their stories and best ideas, they can help each other innovate and solve problems… and also make great new friends they would never have otherwise met. “Sometimes, belonging to different organizations makes you forget that you all share a common goal,” noted participant Andrew Gertz, representing JUF’s Shorashim, “but JTAC allows that barrier to fall.” (Shorashim is a nonprofit that connects Israeli and North American Jews and the Taglit-Birthright Israel provider for JUF.)

Together, members of JTAC plan J-Serve, an annual day of Jewish youth service to the community. They plan the teen part of JUF’s Israel Solidarity Day. And JTAC speaks for the Jewish teens of Chicago on issues that concern them.

“Working with teens from all over Chicago to make an impact was one of the most fulfilling things I have done,” said participant Mallory Sherwood, from BBYO. “I think we inspired other teens to make a difference and confirmed our commitment to being instrumental voices in changing our community.”

Founded in 2013, the supergroup evolved out of previous efforts to bring Chicago-area youth groups together.

Now, as JTAC, these teen titans join forces for tikkun olam— or as a good superhero would say, to save the world. Don’t be surprised if they do.

For more information, contact Jennifer Lande, Senior Associate, Youth Initiatives, at 312-444-2876 or [email protected]