From Vision to Impact: How the Tzedek: Jewish Service Learning Cohort is Advancing Jewish Service Learning Across the JCC Movement

What began as a shared vision to deepen Jewish learning and community engagement through service has blossomed into a transformative experience across Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps (JCCs) throughout North America. Tzedek: Jewish Service Learning Cohort, powered by Repair the World and in partnership with JCC Association of North America, is more than just a leadership development initiative, a people-first, values-driven engine for change. To date, Tzedek has equipped 89 Jewish communal professionals in 53 communities to lead service experiences that have reached more than 12,000 participants. The program builds skills, confidence, and inspiration, empowering leaders to facilitate meaningful Jewish service while growing personally and professionally along the way.

“We were dreaming about a Jewish Service Corps,” recalls Mark S. Young, Vice President of Talent and Director of JResponse® at JCC Association. “A part-time professional in every JCC, supported by a movement-wide cohort, rooted in Jewish service learning.” That early vision, first imagined pre-COVID, evolved in partnership with Repair the World. With support from the Jewish Community Response and Impact Fund (JCRIF), Tzedek: Jewish Service Learning Cohort took shape, bringing Repair’s proven expertise in Jewish service learning to the JCC Movement. While the original dream imagined part-time roles, the current structure engages full-time JCC professionals who already have, or integrate, Jewish service learning into their existing portfolios through Tzedek.

The first cohort convened online amid the pandemic, but the move to hybrid and in-person gatherings soon became a pivotal turning point. “So much of our work is about relationships,” says Mark. “Volunteering side-by-side, sharing meals, having open conversations, those moments build bonds that can’t be replicated virtually.” 

Tzedek cohort members come together for service and learning at Brooklyn Book Bodega during an in-person retreat.

Rebecca Furth, Assistant Program Director for JCC Talent at JCC Association, recalls the electric energy of those first in-person gatherings: “Walking into that room, you feel it immediately. Professionals from all over, different roles, backgrounds, and career stages, brought together by their commitment to Jewish service learning. Connections happen naturally, whether over lunch or on a volunteer project. That sense of belonging turns a group of individuals into a true cohort.”

Those bonds continue to grow through virtual sessions, transforming a diverse group of professionals into a vibrant, supportive community of changemakers. For many, Tzedek has been a professional and personal turning point. 

Jennifer Wood, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center and Federation of Augusta, shares, “I really had no idea what to expect. I wanted to make a difference with our programming. This cohort brought mindfulness and intention where before there was little. Instead of just hosting a Hamantaschen baking event with snacks, I created a program highlighting the Purim tradition of giving food and charity. It transformed the event from entertainment into something truly meaningful.”

For Cori SaNogueira, the Chief Program Officer at UJA-JCC Greenwich, the cohort was an opportunity to sharpen her leadership: “When I first heard about Tzedek, I geeked out, Jewish service learning professional development? Yes, please! I learned how to lead groups better, run fresh ice breakers, and structure events more thoughtfully. Now I’m confident about sharing Jewish learning and using the Repair Facilitator toolbox prompts right away in my programs.” 

Adam Seigal, Volunteer Manager at the JCA of Southern Maine, stepped into a new role as the cohort began:

“Before Tzedek, we had no ongoing volunteer-led service projects. The cohort gave us a structure to creatively lead service connected to Jewish values. For example, we launched a ‘Crafternoon’ group crafting warm clothes for refugee families, a perfect fit with our resettlement program. The timing and impact were tremendous.”

But for many, the greatest takeaway isn’t just the skills, it’s the relationships. Jennifer says, “I made connections in person that wouldn’t have been possible remotely. Listening to others’ ideas and sharing mine was so valuable.” Cori adds, “We formed great connections, kept in touch after the cohort, and shared ideas. It’s inspiring to be part of a network of professionals committed to Jewish service learning.” 

Adam sums up the personal growth he experienced: “I started off quiet. By the end, I was leading presentations and contributing ideas. I’ve grown so much as a communicator and leader.”

For Mark, Tzedek’s impact is rooted in people and values-driven learning.

“We’re not just teaching how to run service projects. We’re investing in professionals to become more thoughtful, connected, and effective in every part of their work. When we strengthen our people, we strengthen Jewish life and the wider community.” 

Rebecca emphasizes the intentional diversity of each cohort: “Bringing together early-career professionals alongside seasoned leaders creates richer conversations and stronger outcomes. Plus, an expert facilitator, Hannah Grossman, Director, Field Activation, Education & Learning at Repair, modeling group dynamics and Jewish learning make a huge difference.”

As for future participants, the advice is clear: 

• Jennifer encourages persistence: “Keep showing up. You may not see the impact right away, but it’s real—and lasting.” 
• Cori advises openness: “Be open. Learn from your peers. There’s so much wisdom in this field.” 
• Adam stresses intentionality: “Lead with intention. Know your ‘why.’ Build real relationships and stay curious.”

Now four cohorts in, Tzedek is fulfilling its vision to plant the seed of Jewish service learning across JCCs while nurturing a network of empowered professionals. It’s helping JCCs become more than just gathering spaces. They are becoming engines of impactful service, deep reflection, and thriving community. 

As this partnership continues, so too does its ripple effect-from individual leaders to entire communities-strengthening Jewish life through service that is grounded, intentional, and deeply meaningful.