GMW Teens Just Want to Make a Difference

J-SERVE 2017, the annual day of Jewish teen service, was held on April 2, in Greater MetroWest and all around the world. This community-wide event was, by far, the largest to date, with well over 300 teens participating.

More than 40 teens serving as ambassadors from a variety of Jewish teen programs, organizations, synagogues, and day schools all over Greater MetroWest, have been meeting regularly since November to help plan, lead, and recruit for this event.

This comprehensive day of service included 14 hands-on service projects covering a diverse selection of topics including Hospitality, Healing, Against Violence, Inclusion, Intergenerational Service, and Social Justice (with speakers or organization representatives at each project); a service opportunities expo with 20 organizations; very successful donation drives; two inspiring teen speakers; 19 teen-lead focused Jewish learning groups; and 19 teen-lead “reflection mix-up” groups.      

Other than the exceptional teens on the J-SERVE committee, a number of teens who have formed non-profits or lead social initiatives were featured.  Donations were collected to aid the efforts of Kayla Legatt, Emma Rothman and Jessie Kransdorf; speeches were presented by Sammi Glennon, anti-bullying non-profit leader, and Julie Averbach, sibling support comic creator. 

We are so proud of the teens who organized this amazing event, and of all those who participated. But it’s just the beginning. For more information about ongoing Jewish Service Learning opportunities for teens in our community visit our JTEEN website or contact Michael Strom at (973) 929-2963 or mstrom@jfedgmw.org.