In 2006, the first Chicago bayit opened with nine Corps Members in the Albany Park neighborhood. Since then, more than 150 Corps Members have worked with close to 64 Chicago nonprofits, serving over 120,000 individuals who are working to make ends meet.
Our alumni in Chicago continue to step up for social and economic justice, and they’ve had a profound impact on the local Jewish community. They’re residents of multiple Moishe Houses, building communities and programs rooted in justice; activists with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, advocating on a local and state level for more progressive policies; and they’re lay leaders with Mishkan, a thriving post-denominational Jewish community.
In 2016, we launched the Avodah Fellowship for early-career professionals in Chicago, expanding our efforts to engage local leaders and strengthening their work for justice within the broader context of our community.
The Windy City might get cold and dark for part of the year, but the Avodahniks keeps the light on for social change at the heart of committed and supportive Jewish community.
Read the stories of Avodah Chicago alumni Rachel Sumekh, Jessica Schaffer, and Ilana Zafran Walden.
hours served in Chicago
Chicago families and residents served
Chicago placement agencies
Our Corps Members live and learn together in a supportive, pluralistic community at the crossroads of justice and Jewish life while working at leading anti-poverty nonprofits. Learn more about the organizations that we serve.
Andrew S., National Immigrant Justice Center
Aryeh F., The Ark
Chana S., National Immigrant Justice Center
Jacob N., Legal Council for Health Justice
Jonah K., Jewish Council on Urban Affairs
Julia B., Legal Council for Health Justice
Kara L., Erie Family Health Centers
Lauren T., JCFS Chicago
Sadeh K., Beyond Legal Aid
Sydney N., Erie Family Health Centers
Zu W., Inspiration Corporation