Mitzvah Clowning Fall 2026 Program Launch

Mitzvah Clowning

The Center for Jewish Teen Engagement at Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, is a new regional hub designed to help Jewish teens in Northern New Jersey connect, grow and lead. The Center’s teen programming in an effort to expand access to meaningful Jewish experiences, develop local leadership and innovate new opportunities in the region. Events powered by the CTE are open to all local teens and Areyvut is deeply honored to partner with this unique collaboration and to play a role in this inaugural year.

Bring Joy. Make Connections. Make a Difference.

A smile has the power to brighten someone’s day, ease loneliness and create meaningful human connection.

Areyvut’s Mitzvah Clowning program trains participants to become Caring (Medical) Clowns who use humor, warmth, compassion and positive energy to bring joy to others. This is not a performance. Rather, participants learn how to connect with people in a genuine, respectful and meaningful way through conversation, active listening, age-appropriate humor and engaging activities.

Whether visiting seniors, individuals receiving care or others who can benefit from companionship, Mitzvah Clowns remind people that they are valued, remembered and not alone.

What is Mitzvah Clowning?

Mitzvah Clowning combines creativity, kindness and service. Participants learn practical skills that enable them to interact confidently and compassionately with others while developing leadership, empathy and communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Through hands-on training and meaningful site visits, teens discover that sometimes the greatest gift they can offer is simply their presence.

Participants frequently tell us that they receive just as much from the experience as those they visit.

What Will Participants Learn?

During the initial training participants will:

• Learn the fundamentals of Mitzvah Clowning.
• Develop effective communication and active listening skills.
• Learn how to engage people of different ages and abilities.
• Explore how humor can be used appropriately to comfort and encourage others.
• Build confidence interacting with strangers.
• Understand expectations and best practices for site visits.
• Prepare to participate in meaningful volunteer experiences.

No previous experience is necessary.

Program Schedule

Initial Training

Sunday, October 18, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Participants will receive hands-on training and prepare for the site visits.

Site Visits, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Sunday, November 1
Sunday, November 22
Sunday, December 13

During these visits, participants will put what they learned into practice by bringing smiles, warmth and meaningful connections to members of our commUNITY.

Who Can Participate?

The program is open to all high school students.

Whether you have extensive volunteer experience or are looking for a meaningful way to give back for the first time, Mitzvah Clowning is an opportunity to make a genuine difference while developing skills that will serve you throughout your life.

Why Participate?

Participants will:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
• Build lasting friendships with fellow participants.
• Develop leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Gain meaningfully volunteer experience while having fun.
• Increase confidence.
• Learn the importance of empathy, kindness and human connection.
• Become part of a growing network of teens proactively committed to strengthening their communities through acts of chesed.

Program Fee

$125 per participant

Additional Information

• No previous experience is necessary.
• Locations throughout Bergen County will be shared with registered participants.
• Dates are subject to change.
• Space is limited.
• Advance registration is required. Form below. Payment can be made after registration is completed.

Questions?

For additional information, please contact Areyvut at: 201-244-6702 or info@areyvut.org

Registration Form