This past week, the JCCRP welcomed the Wexner Service Corps (WSC) from Columbus, Ohio. The WSC is a new Jewish service-learning initiative for Columbus Jewish teenagers funded by the Wexner Foundation. The WSC launched with an inaugural New York service trip departing Columbus on Sunday, June 9, and returning on Friday morning, June 14. WSC members participated in hands-on Hurricane Sandy relief work and studied Jewish texts relating to the value of service and reflecting on the work, its impact, and the harsh reality of disasters. Upon return and throughout the year, all WSC service trip participants will continue to volunteer locally for two hours per month. In addition, Columbus Jewish teens who were not able to participate in the service trip will be invited to join in local volunteering. Many participants will continue to meet regularly to continue the Jewish reflective learning experience.
“The Wexner Foundation is excited to empower Columbus Jewish teenagers with an opportunity to improve our local community and our extended community through service. This unique opportunity will bring together Jewish teens from across our schools, synagogues, and youth movements, as well as those who are not currently engaged in Jewish life,” said Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, president of The Wexner Foundation.
The JCCRP was delighted to host the WSC group. The teenagers from WSC were extremely helpful in disseminating the JCCRP’s flyers throughout the neighborhood. The JCCRP has been in the forefront of Sandy relief and continues to do so to this very day. v
