March 2020 Newsletter

WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING GROUPS

This month we welcome 5 new & returning groups to the Chai Mitzvah family!
If your new or returning group is not listed, please let us know!

Temple Kol Emeth – Marietta, GA
Ha Chaverim – West Hartford, CT
Stamford NCSY – Stamford, CT
People of Faith for Peace – Overland Park, KS
Congregation Beth Or – Old Bridge, NJ

To register a new group, click here.

 

TEENS TALK:
What They’ve Learned

Teens in the Chai Mitzvah Program recently shared the ways that Chai Mitzvah has affected them and what they’ve learned.

Students from all over the country participate in Chai Mitzvah through their synagogues, JCCs, and even in virtual groups. They enjoy relevant discussions sparked by texts through one of four tracks: Standard Topics, Mussar, Aseret: The Big Ten, and Mixtape, an arts-based curriculum.

The teens told Chai Mitzvah how their studies have affected their Jewish identity, the way they make decisions, and their responsibility towards the community and the environment.

Students told about the social action projects in which they are involved which span from working with younger children (madrich programs, helping bridge the achievement gap in a local public school, scouting programs) to helping supply food (kosher meals for those in need) and warmth (blankets for homeless), to caring for animals, and working for the environment – raising awareness through letters, rallies, and meeting with local politicians. Students in Oregon raised funds to install security systems in local synagogues, and students in Boston took action against gun violence. All of the students enjoyed being involved in helping their local communities. 

Benjamin N., a student participating in a virtual group, said: “The program has inspired me to act righteously and to help others as much as I can in my daily life. I know that the impact from helping someone in need, or in my case, the environment in need, can be just as rewarding for the giver as it is for the recipient.” 

The Chai Mitzvah teen program has affected students in other important ways as well.

A student, Eli S. From a virtual group, shared this: “Chai Mitzvah Cohort sessions have impacted me in a positive way since the first meeting. It has helped me recognize that I should think before I make decisions and has made me think more overall. I’ve also been more observant and grateful since the sessions. The sessions have also made me get more comfortable talking in groups little by little which is helping me a lot in and out of school.”

There were many teens sharing their experiences, but this one from Shira C. seemed to sum it up: “Chai Mitzvah has allowed me the opportunity to really connect and analyze Jewish and world-wide concepts in an effective manner with a supportive Jewish community. This is something I don’t get to do very often (except for camp events) because the area I live in doesn’t have many Jewish people, so when I get the chance to connect with other Jewish youth, I appreciate it a lot. Through the program, I have considered certain day-to-day activities which I would normally do with out a thought.”

To learn more about the Chai Mitzvah teen program,
please contact Nina Woldin, nina@chaimitzvah.org

 

NURTURE LIFE:
Supplemental Material

We may not murder because each human being has intrinsic dignity, worthy of honor and respect. This dignity comes from humanity being made in God’s image, capable of acting in Godly ways. It gives us the ability to make conscious free will decisions; to be just, truthful, and peaceful; to show love, compassion, and mercy. Being made in God’s image means having the potential to live elevated lives and make a positive impact on the world.

The Diber “Do not murder” demands that we take the utmost care not to endanger or diminish any human life, including our own.

Click here for an article that expands on this theme.

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