Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.  Jewish service-learning infuses service-learning with Jewish sources, values and traditions.

Partnership Service-Learning Programs

Collaborative Service-Learning Programs
Working with partners in the community, we strive to bring volunteerism to new levels in order to give Jews the opportunity to engage in meaningful and impactful service with the inclusion of dynamic, complementary learning pieces.

Teen Service-Learning Grants
Congregations, youth groups, Jewish Culture Clubs and day schools are invited to submit proposals for teen-led service-learning and social justice programs. JYPI Program alumni review the proposals and their decisions allow them to continue to effect change in our community.

Partnership Days of Service
The Partnership hosts diverse groups of people for meaningful service-learning experiences. Examples include the Partnership’s Annual Family Day of Service on December 24th at Food & Friends, a multi-generational service-learning experience with the Gandel Delegation.

Teen Council
A teen-led advisory group of selected JYPI alumni gives guidance and feedback to the Partnership staff on service-learning and youth philanthropy teen programming. As part of their charge, Teen Council participants learn to plan and participate in multiple service-learning projects throughout the year.

Resources
Looking to make the most of your volunteer time with family or friends? Take a look at our Service-Learning Family Checklist for strategies and suggestions.

For volunteer opportunities throughout the Greater Washington community, visit www.jconnect.org/Participate/Volunteer.aspx .    

Save the date to volunteer at D25 – December 25th Day of Service through the DCJCC

Take a look at how nonprofit organizations are working with youth and adults to create mitzvah projects!

• PeacePlayers International Youth Activism Kit – Plan a basketball tournament, a concert or another exciting event to support PPI’s work to unite, educate and inspire young people in divided communities through basketball!
• Kulanu’s Mitzvah Project Program – Design a meaningful mitzvah project to support Jewish communities in places such as Africa, South America and more! 
• Jewish National Fund B’nai Mitzvah Projects - With more than half a dozen projects listed, select the one that best represents your passion! 

• Yachad’s Mitzvah Party Program - Organize friends and family to join you and Yachad, the affordable housing and community development nonprofit of Washington, in repairing the home or community center of our neighbors in need.

My Jewish Learning List of ideas for Social Action – A list of links to Jewish nonprofits committed to social action and social justice 

We the People: Federal Holidays Days of Service – Yachad-sponsored volunteer opportunities on all Federal holidays including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  

Heshvan a Social Action Month – A thought piece that encourages Jews to use this month as an opportunity to pick one cause or injustice to commit your attention throughout the year. 

American Jewish World Service Resources about Education and Service

Articles of Interest:

Connect, Serve, Reflect and Unpack by Jennie Smith and Avi West

When Cheshvan Falls Let Justice Rise by Avi West

Frames and Lenses – Seeing our day to day with Jewish eyes

Consider hospitality: A timely form of kindness in action:

• Animated short on a Torah portion read this month, Chayei-Sarah, that highlights hospitality as a valued form of kindness in Jewish tradition
   
• Hachnassat Orchim/Welcoming Guests for Shabbat – A guide for hosts
   
• Hachnassat Orchim/Welcoming Guests – A variety of texts highlighting the kindness of hospitality