As someone who grew up in the Tzofim, a movement based the values of giving back to the community and volunteering, I am so excited to share this experience with the YJ AWB teens. Yesterday, I joined a group of teens volunteering at Sankofa, an urban farm where they grow organically grown produce and herbs, creates opportunities in the areas of urban revitalization, youth enrichment, education, health, and economic development...
~ Sivan is the Young Judaea/Tzofim Shlicha in South Florida and spends her summers at Camp Judaea
Leaving A Mark
Melanie Silver
Melanie (2nd from r) weeds with friends
Today's t'fillah was a writing prompt. We wrote about things we were thankful for or aspired to have, symbolizing the Shemoneh Esrei of the Amida. I thought it was a really interesting way to start out a week focusing on helping others and leaving a mark on New Orleans. It showed us that we can be grateful for what we have and can still want things. The underprivileged kids we hosted a holiday party for this afternoon also seemed that way.
~ Melanie Silver is a 10th grader from Deerfield, Illinois. She is a local leader in Young Judaea and will be one of the teens leading Young Judaea's Chicago Teens for Change, a new Alternative Spring Break in Chicago.
Inspired and Thankful
Amy Remes
Amy at ARNO (Animal Rescue New Orleans)
Today was an exciting day. I saw old friends and met new ones. The best part of my day was going to the church for the underprivileged kids. There were two girls who sang for everyone there and that really inspired me because I love to watch kids sing and not care what others think. We through the party for these kids because they didn't get to have a typical Christmas. When all the kids lined up for their gifts they got so excited before they even opened them. I love how these kids were so thankful for what they have and didn't complain about what they don't. I'm so excited to more inspiring experiences!
~ Amy Remes is a 10th grader from Pittsburgh, PA. She is on the teen leadership team of Pittsburgh, Young Judaea
What Do Weeds and Dreidals Have in Common?
Eva Fischer
Eva (l) and friends make dreidals out of soil.
Today I volunteered at San Kofa, a garden that supplies fresh vegetables to people, and I helped throw a Christmas party. While we were at the garden we weeded a lot, but also meditated, and since the dirt had clay in it, we made a dreidel out of it. It was super fun, and we also learned about systemic oppression. Andy, the employee of the organization for the last three weeks, explained about how the lower ninth ward was discriminated against, and still is, by not having convenience stores.
will head to Baton Rouge Louisiana. In August 2016, a storm dumped as much as two feet of rain in 48 hours in parts of the area, resulting in what was called a "thousand year rain". Our teens will work with the organization Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge.
