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

boston

In our experience with building projects, one of the frustrating aspects has been that some building partners do not accept young teens as participants. As a result, JHH has created a new program, in partnership with Sara Losch, Director of Lifelong Learning of the Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes, NJ. In Hebrew, it’s called Bonim Banim – Building Youth, or Bet Bet for short. This way younger teens can be included in this holy work.

drill We are planning to bring twenty students who will be entering grades nine and ten in September, 2010, to Rochester, NY, to help renovate one of the properties owned by East House, which helps people struggling to overcome mental illness and substance abuse. It will become a Wellness Center to help them heal emotionally and physically. There will be several adults with us, including teachers and building experts. We will stay in a hotel in Rochester 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 local area and to understand the impact of work like ours on the general community.
East House will coordinate our time at the site. Our local support congregation is Temple Sinai in Rochester and its Rabbis Alan Katz and Amy Sapowith. Barnert Temple, in Franklin Lakes, NJ, is our partner as well.

When – Sunday afternoon, August 15th 2010 to Sunday morning August 22nd, 2010.

Where – Rochester, New York

Who – Students entering grades nine and ten in September, 2010, 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 Rochester hotel, “Night Out” and personal expenses.