For Juliana Weisz’s b’mitzvah project, she baked banana bread to raise money for the JUF Uptown Cafe.
Becoming a bar, bat, or b’mitzvah is one of the most meaningful milestones in Jewish life—a child becomes recognized as an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community. Beyond the ceremony or service, many families mark this transition through a mitzvah project, inviting their b’mitzvah into Jewish adulthood through acts of love, responsibility, and kindness toward others.
This long-standing tradition is a powerful opportunity to give back, make a real difference, and have students take pride in the impact they’re creating.
Even so, beginning a service project can feel overwhelming. With so many possibilities, knowing what to choose is often the hardest part. Fortunately, the Chicago Jewish community offers incredible resources to help b’mitzvah students curate projects that are both meaningful to them and impactful for others.
JUF’s Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV) program serves as a central hub for volunteering in the Chicago Jewish community, and beyond. “Whether you’re looking for a one-time opportunity or an ongoing commitment, TOV offers family-friendly programs for all ages—from baby to bubby,” said Sarah Trowbridge, Director of the JUF TOV Volunteer Network.
TOV and TOV Teens have also developed a B’nai Mitzvah Project Guide to help students beginning to explore their options. The guide includes project ideas ranging from engaging with seniors and helping those in need, to arts- or sports-based projects, environmental initiatives, and support for Israel. These opportunities span both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, reflecting TOV’s partnerships throughout Chicagoland.
For families seeking more personalized guidance, TOV also offers a Volunteer Concierge Service—a free, one-on-one resource available to individuals, families, synagogues, schools, corporate groups… and b’mitzvah students. The concierge helps students transform their interests into customized service projects that feel authentic, achievable, and impactful.
Through this support, students have brought many thoughtful and creative ideas to life. Juliana Weisz, for example, created a b’mitzvah project which combined her love of both volunteering and baking to raise money for the JUF Uptown Cafe. She baked and sold an extraordinary 30 banana breads, raising $600 for the Cafe. She chose the Uptown Cafe as the focus for her project because she said she believes in its commitment to not only feed those who are “struggling to make ends meet,” but to treating patrons with love and dignity. Even now, as a freshman in high school, she continues to volunteer at the Cafe whenever she can.
Similarly, Rafi Thacker began playing the piano for residents at assisted and independent living facilities for older adults more than two years ago. What started as a mitzvah project has since grown into a meaningful, ongoing commitment. On the first Sunday of each month, Thacker visits a local assisted and independent living community. He spends time chats with residents, shares stories and jokes, and fills the space with music. Playing piano for this community is “really rewarding,” Thacker said. “It feels really good know that you put a smile on someone’s face and made their day a little bit better.”
These projects—and so many others—show how meaningful mitzvah work can be when students are supported in exploring what matters most to them. With the right guidance and resources, a b’mitzvah project becomes more than a requirement; it becomes a lasting expression of Jewish values, and a powerful first step into a lifetime of service.
To learn more about TOV’s Volunteer Concierge and customized projects, visit juf.org/volunteer/customized-projects.
Jenna Cohen is a marketing and communications professional living in Chicago.
