Reform Judaism teaches us the importance of tikkun olam, or mending the world. For many, that concept involves volunteering to relieve human suffering, care for the earth or raise awareness on a variety of different issues. The following resources are designed to help congregations coordinate volunteer service opportunities and for individuals to find meaningful, quality volunteer opportunities for themselves, their friends and families.
Mitzvah Corps allows Reform Jewish teens to experience social action at its best by combining direct hands-on service with programs rooted in Jewish social and ethical values. Programs are available in San Francisco, Costa Rica, Israel, New Orleans and other exciting locations! Mitzvah Corps also seeks enthusiastic, responsible staff to help run the summer experiences.
Interested in rolling up your sleeves in the Big Easy? Check out our Gulf Coast Volunteering page for information to help you identify appropriate local partners and plan your trip.
If you are an undergraduate student from a North American college campus, join us this summer for a unique work/study internship program. Based in Washington, D.C. at the RAC, Machon Kaplan provides students with a meaningful internship dealing with social justice issues; the opportunity to engage in academic study that relates to their internships; and, a community of like-minded students to share the experience together in a group living atmosphere.
Travel to Israel with ARZA and learn how Israel is fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identity of Reform Jews through touring, activities and advocacy.
Kibbutz Lotan welcomes volunteers, average age 18-25, for any amount of time between 3-6 months. Volunteers will become part of a community that works towards creating a progressive expression of Jewish religion and culture in our rituals and our day-to-day life, through mitzvot, tilling and preserving our earth and in our relationships with one another and with God.
AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps engages young people in direct work on the causes and effects of poverty in the US. Participants are involved a year of full-time work at anti-poverty organizations in Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and Washington, DC.
AJWS provides unique opportunities to learn, work, serve and travel in Africa, Asia and the Americas. By partnering with grassroots community-based groups, volunteers experience firsthand the power of people creating change.