Every year, Diller Teen Fellows spend a day spreading light for Hanukkah by giving back to the community, and each year, Iris Teen Advisors spend a day every season bringing the values of Tzedakah into action with hands on service-learning opportunities to make our community a better place.
This year, Diller teens joined forces with Iris teens to spread light in Newark!
Teens and many of their parents met at Congregation Ahavas Sholom, the only continuously running synagogue in Newark, where we heard from synagogue president Eric Freedman and board member Emily Manz about the history of the synagogue and Jewish life in Newark, as well as the work they do to support the local community. We also met with Ari Fox, Head of Economic Impact at Audible, who shared ways they are working with the community to revitalize Newark.
The teens packed 50 bags of cereal, canned food, snacks, and more, which they then distributed outside the synagogue. We had a blast spreading light by handing out donuts, hot chocolate, and bags of food to community members as they stopped by. Parents volunteered in the synagogue, helping to clear space for a future play space for young children. In making a difference for those in need, the teens and parents felt a tremendous impact on themselves.
Hear from three teens below:
“Going to Newark to bring food and necessary items with my Diller Fellows created such an incredible and meaningful day. The experience showed me that it doesn’t matter if you’re from a different religion or have different political views, but what truly matters is helping people and supporting communities in need. Standing outside with people of all generations; kids, adults, and teens while singing, dancing, and going out of our way to make sure families received food, made me feel deeply grateful for what I have. It reminded me how important it is to step away from everyday stress, grades, and drama, and instead focus on helping people who don’t even have enough food to get through the day. It felt so good to let go, to be fully present, laughing with friends and doing a mitzvah that really changes a family’s lives. Despite all the scary and complicated times Jews have and are going through, doing mitzvot like these gives me so much hope and light for the world, and reminds me how important it is to stay hopeful and to continue helping anyone we can. Like Hanukkah teaches us, it is our spirit that can help us overcome and stay hopeful for the world.” –Sadie G, Diller Teen Fellow, 11th grade
“Over this past weekend I went to a synagogue in Newark with the Iris Teen Program helping to pack essential food items into bags, and it was the perfect way to start off Hannukah. When lighting the menorah you add candles every day adding more light into your home and into our community, which is exactly how I felt while participating in the food drive. Seeing people in my community taking time out of their day to not only help pack the bags but also go to grocery stores made me feel very proud and happy. And it was worth it to see every person very thankful to get a bag and a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold day.” –Maddie K., Iris Teen Advisor, 10th grade
“When we woke up to a blanket of snow covering the Metrowest area, we were unsure if our Spread the Light service day would be able to proceed in this winter wonderland. Fortunately, roads were cleared in enough time for us to adapt, and thanks to the Diller and Iris village of parent carpools we made it happen! We arrived to Congregation Ahavas Sholom in Newark, a mix of Iris and Diller teens and their parents, learning about the history of the synagogue as well as the once vibrant and thriving Jewish community in Newark. As the teens bagged their donated food items for a total of 50 bags, the parents jumped into action, busy helping to clean and organize boxes of synagogue materials, which for the small congregation with mostly older members was a gargantuan and virtually impossible task. The teens then ventured outside bundled up in their winter gear, greeting and distributing the groceries to those in need, spreading holiday cheer and sharing their inner light with the local community, some even using their Spanish-speaking skills. Meanwhile, the parents were working at a rapid pace, rummaging through old siddurs, knick knacks, Judaica, office supplies, books, photos, posters and other memorabilia, either throwing out, shelving books, or sorting items into designated boxes. Amongst some of the chazerie we learned about Newark’s history, uncovering whiteboards filled with fascinating facts about the Jewish community, which united our parent group and gave new meaning to the significance of preservation of this once thriving epicenter of Jewish life in Newark.
“Congregation Ahavas Shalom remains one the few synagogues in Newark that is still operating, albeit with a small congregation, who shares the space with other faiths and members of the Newark community. Being able to tour the synagogue and see the beautiful wood-carved architecture, which was sent from New York city and the stained-glass windows, was breathtaking. Learning about the passion and dedication of its members and especially hearing from Eric who has been the president for the past 28 years was inspiring. He spoke about his motivation to give back to the community and his commitment to tikun olam, repairing the world and giving back to others, and the history of Newark Jews championing civil rights alongside the Black community. In a world with growing antisemitism and a dwindling Jewish population, it was inspiring to hear of the importance that we continue to shine our light and share our space and experience with others, uplift others, and extinguish the flames of hatred by being an example of good in the world. We concluded our day by lighting the menorah and surrounding the Ahavas Shalom members in thanks, appreciation, love, and a “whoosh” in typical Diller fashion. As the Diller parent liaison, I was honored to be in attendance to witness the magic that is Iris and Diller. Both literally and figuratively, we ignited the flame of community, service, and unity, spreading our light to all present. Happy Hanukkah, and may our light shine brightly to bring more compassion, kindness and peace to all.
“Beyond the impact they had on those in need, the experience was equally meaningful for the teens themselves, leaving them with a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and pride in giving back. Federation empowers teens to take action as leaders of our community to make it a better place for all.”
–Meredith Ross, Diller Parent Liaison
Wishing everyone a Hanukkah with light spread to our community and around the world.