Happy Hanukkah! It’s time to act boldly

Happy Hanukkah! This holiday always reminds me of the Jewish people’s optimism. The Maccabees could have looked at the small amount of oil available to them and said, “What’s the point?” Instead, they summoned their hope and lit their lamp. And, of course, a miracle ensued.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Repair the World decided to embrace the Jewish value of na’aseh v’nishma, action and learning. We channeled the spirit of the Maccabees and acted boldly in the face of uncertainty, forging a coalition of Jewish organizations and expanding our programming to meet urgent needs in communities around the country. 

A year later, the result is a thriving Jewish Service Alliance (JSA) and expanded direct programming including a part-time stipended service corps that offers young Jews and their peers the opportunity to serve and learn with local nonprofits. So far, 809 corps members (and counting!) have served across the U.S. Over 90% praised the program for giving them a chance to do good through a Jewish lens.

The JSA is evidence that the Jewish service movement is growing, but that growth is no miracle. Our movement relies on investments from everyday champions of social change — like you. 

Thank you for powering a movement that’s touching lives and transforming communities.

Cindy Greenberg (she/her)

President and CEO