Since 2005, J-Serve has provided teens with the opportunity to engage in meaningful service while embodying core Jewish values, including gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), tzedakah (just and charitable giving), and tikkun olam (the responsibility to repair the world).
This year, Seattle-area teens will come together for hands-on service projects that address important community needs. Whether you’re packing birthday bags for children experiencing homelessness, cooking meals for teens facing housing insecurity, providing companionship and support to individuals with disabilities or elderly adults, or participating in environmental projects, your service will truly make a difference.
Service Site Descriptions
Friendship Circle
Helping children, teens, and young adults with disabilities through inclusive programming and activities.
Kline Galland – The Summit (Senior Living)
Spend quality time with residents in downtown Seattle, providing companionship, conversation, and support.
Cooking for YouthCare
Help prepare a full meal for 40 teens and young adults experiencing homelessness.
Cooking experience preferred — come excited to cook!
Birthday Dreams
Create party hats, goodie bags, and bracelet crafts for children’s birthday celebrations.
Birthday Dreams is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing hope, joy, and a sense of self-worth to children experiencing homelessness through the gift of a birthday party.
SJCC Environmental Community Restoration
Help preserve and beautify meaningful community spaces across the SJCC campus, including the outdoor Holocaust Memorial, Kesher Garden, and other shared gathering areas. Through hands-on environmental work, teens will actively restore and care for places that hold memory, connection, and community pride.
J-Serve 2026: Greater Seattle Schedule —
12:30 PM – Bus pickup in North Seattle
1:00 PM – All teens arrive at the SJCC & Opening Ceremony
1:30 PM – Teens depart by bus to service sites (sack lunch provided)
2:00 PM – Arrival at service sites
2:00–3:30 PM – Service projects at designated locations
3:30 PM – Transportation by bus to celebration location
4:00–5:30 PM – Closing celebration will include arcade time, community reflection, treats, music and more at designated location
Teens who took the North Seattle Bus will return to North Seattle Bus Pick Up location at 6pm.
All other teens can be picked up at 5:45pm at the SJCC Main parking lot.
J-Serve is a collaborative effort made possible by an incredible group of youth-serving organizations, including SJCC, BBYO, USY at Herzl–Ner Tamid and Congregation Beth Shalom, NFTY at Temple De-Hirsh Sinai, and Tzofim Israeli Scouts. We look forward to coming together to serve, connect, and strengthen our community.
