Jewish Helping Hands - Bonim Banim – Bet Bet: Bulding Youth

boston

In our experiences with building projects, one of the frustrating aspects has been that many of our building partners do not accept young teens as participants. As a result, we have created a new program, in partnership with Sara Losch, Director of Lifelong Learning of the Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, NJ. We call it in Hebrew Bonim Banim or for short Bet Bet – Building Youth. It is a way of including younger teens in this holy work.

drill We are planning to bring twenty-four students who will be entering grades nine and ten in September, 2009, to the Boston, Mass. area to help restore a residential recovery facility for thirty women and their infant children. There will be several adults in the group, including teachers and building experts. We will stay in a hotel in Framingham and will share in the responsibilities of daily life.

This will be an experience in Jewish religious living. It will include, in addition to the work, creative Jewish worship experiences and the study of traditional texts about tzedakah, charity and righteous living. We expect to explore the Boston area and to understand the impact of work like ours on the general community.

We are working with SMOC (Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council) which will coordinate our time at the site. Our local support congregation is Temple Shir Tikva of Wayland and its Rabbi Neal Gold. Barnert Temple, in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and Temple Shalom, in Succasunna, NJ, are our partners as well.

When – Sunday afternoon, August 16th 2009 to Sunday morning August 23rd, 2009.

Where – Boston, Massachusetts

Who – Students entering grades nine and ten in September, 2009, whose families are members of Reform congregations. NO previous building experience or tools are necessary- just enthusiasm and a willing spirit.

How much - $1000, covering everything except travel to the Boston area hotel, “Night Out” and personal expenses.