Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and Repair the World Create More Pathways for Jewish Young Adults to Participate in Service

Contact: Zoe Miller
[email protected] | 713-551-7234
For Immediate Release

Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and Repair the World
Create More Pathways for Jewish Young Adults to Participate in Service

Houston, TX — The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC (the J) and Repair the World are expanding a nearly decade-long partnership designed to engage more members of Houston’s Jewish community in meaningful service and strengthen connections between Jewish life and the broader community. This builds upon the existing collaborative work between these organizations, which has brought significant positive impact to the Houston community, including Act Now programs, hurricane relief efforts and, most recently, the Schools Out, Help Out pilot.

Thanks to the generosity of the Samuels Family Foundation, the expanded two-year pilot project launched with the J’s onboarding of Sarah Zemelman as the Repair the World young adult engagement coordinator. In her role, Zemelman will work with Repair the World and local community organizations to develop, coordinate and lead Jewish service programs for young adults ages 18 to 39.

“Jewish life is strongest when it provides opportunities to come together around something bigger than ourselves,” said the J’s Chief of Jewish Education Zoe Miller. “For young adults especially, service can be a powerful way to build community, deepen Jewish identity and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through our Repair the World partnership, we’re creating more opportunities for young adults to find their place in Houston’s Jewish community while living out the Jewish value of caring for others. We’re excited to see where these shared experiences lead and the lasting connections they can inspire.”

Zemelman brings impressive academic and professional experience to this initiative with a background that combines Jewish learning, program development and community-based service. She recently earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School, where she also co-founded the Black-Jewish Pluralism Project, serving as program director, educator and financial manager. Zemelman also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Swarthmore College.

She previously worked in case management at the Community Day Center of Waltham, providing individualized support and resources to people experiencing homelessness; volunteered with the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter’s street team; and contributed to advocacy and community organizations focused on issues including educational equity, immigration and gun violence prevention.

“I am honored to work on this expansive project that will focus on education about community issues, Jewish learning, direct service and reflection,” Zemelman said. “The goal is to create more pathways for Jewish young adults to participate in service, respond to pressing community needs and build connections across lines of difference. Through these shared experiences, we hope to cultivate a lasting commitment to Jewish service and repairing our world.”

For the J, the embedded staff model adds dedicated expertise to the important work that is already underway. For Repair the World, the partnership provides an opportunity to deepen Jewish service in Houston through a trusted local institution. To learn more about Repair the World or how you can get involved, contact Zemelman at [email protected].

Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Houston is a non-profit organization that provides quality programs for all members of the family including infants, school-aged children, teens, adults and seniors. Evelyn Rubenstein JCC provides more than $750,000 in scholarship aid to area families in need thanks to the generous support received, in part, from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the United Way. The collaboration with Repair the World would not be possible without the help of the Samuels Family Foundation. The J is grateful for their support and partnership to make this incredible program happen.

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