As part of our efforts to create a culture of Social Justice here at Hillel, we formed a partnership with Repair the World which works to inspire American Jews and their communities to give their time and efforts to serve those in need and to make service a defining part of American Jewish life. We launched our Repair the World Street Team, under the leadership of our Senior Jewish Educator, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, where 7 students are charged with connecting our 40 Alternative Spring Break participants along with 2 of their friends in service on campus and in our local community.
This spring quarter 120 students will be leading advocacy campaigns and providing direct service to communities in need here in Los Angeles a minimum of 3 times spring quarter. In just 5 weeks, students have been engaged in numerous projects including:
1. Leading college preparedness workshops at Jefferson High School
2. Supporting families at the Salvation Army in Westwood
3. Hosting a Blood Drive at UCLA
4. Launching an Organ Donation Drive at UCLA
5. Raising $750 for the American Cancer Society
6. Participating in RollAIDS - rollerskating in Ackerman to raise money for AIDS groups on campus like One Heart Source
7. Volunteering at Tomchei Shabbos – providing food for needy Jewish families for Shabbat and holidays.
8. Recruiting for Big Sunday on May 15th where over 100 students will volunteer in Echo Park
It is important to note that many of our ASB participants and their friends are Taglit-Birthright Israel Alumni and these programs are part of our follow-through efforts with them.