It’s a great time to be a Jewish teen in Chicago. Vibrant programs, unique opportunities to engage and learn, and community collaboration mean that there is something for everyone. To help teens and families forge their own Jewish paths, JUF has redesigned its website for teens, making it mobile- and tablet-friendly, and turning it into an online hub for Jewish teen programs.

The mission of Teens @ JUF is to connect Chicagoland Jewish teens to meaningful experiences, new friendships, and exciting ways to make a difference in the community.

The new site has three main sections. The first is “Our Programs,” which has information about JUF’s unique, niche programs on a variety of topics to fit your interests. What do you like to do- are you a writer or a planner or a traveler-or do you like to get your hands dirty? Whether you’re interested in leadership development, volunteering, Israel advocacy, or philanthropy, there is a program for you. In this section, you can find out more about TOV Teens Volunteering, Diller Teen Fellows, Research Training Internship, Voices: the Chicago Jewish Teen Foundation, and Write On for Israel.

The “Israel, Camp & Travel” section connects teens to new worlds of Jewish values, culture, and traditions. Learn more about day and overnight camps, Jewish travel programs around the country, and of course Israel! This is also where parents can find information about the grants and scholarships that can help teens get there.

The “Community” section connects teens to youth movements, clubs, and other organizations that offer vibrant, exciting Jewish programs throughout the year. Here teens can “shop” for programs from across the religious spectrum that provide even more fun, exploration, and friends. This section also provides updates on JUF’s teen leadership board, the Jewish Teen Alliance of Chicago (JTAC). JTAC brings together teens from various youth groups and organizations to serve as community leaders and advisors. JTAC teens help to plan exciting, community-wide programs such as J-Serve and Israel Solidarity Day.

Teens @ JUF has updates on all upcoming programs in a blog called “The Latest.” Teens who want to showcase their projects or writing can also submit blog posts to [email protected].

The site also has a downloadable “Guide to Making Mitzvot Part of Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah.” It’s packed full of ways to put the “mitzvah” back into your bar or bat mitzvah- ideas for collection drives, volunteering, fundraising, socializing, and helping people who really need it. This guide is updated each year and specific projects will be highlighted in the coming months.

If you are a teen-or the parent or grandparent or relative or friend of a teen-discover the whole world of awesome Jewish experiences waiting for you at Teens @ JUF. Find us at juf.org/teens. See you there!