AVODAH News Just one more week! AVODAH's application deadline is February 8th So far 357 individuals have started their applications to AVODAH. Help get them over the hump by connecting with them via Facebook. We've set up an event page where you can post advice, tell about your own experiences in AVODAH, and answer questions from applicants. It's not too late to start an application! Now is the time to do one last push to all your friends, family, colleagues, and organizations to spread the word about AVODAH. Questions? Email Mollie Spevack, Recruitment Coordinator.
Thanks To Our Alumni For Their Strong Support in 2010
On behalf of the entire AVODAH staff, I'd like to thank the record number of alumni who made donations to AVODAH this year-163 of you made gifts in 2010! We are deeply grateful that on small salaries or student budgets, many of you elected to make recurring donations that fit your monthly budget. We are honored and inspired that you are partnering with us to provide others with the same transformative experience you had during your year in AVODAH. Over the next few months there will be other opportunities to get involved. Stay tuned for more information on our Partners in Justice events across the country! Still need to set-up your recurring gift to AVODAH? Click here. Again, our sincerest thanks.- Marilyn Sneiderman Welcome Steve Bocknek, New York Development Director Join us in welcoming Steve Bocknek as our first New York Development Director! After seven years practicing law, Steve is making the move to the non-profit sector to engage full-time in his passion for Jewish social justice. For several months in 2010 he interned with Encounter, an educational organization working to transform the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and heal internal Jewish communal rifts formed in its wake, helping them develop and implement a strategic plan. He also co-founded an organization called Detroit Nation, dedicated to improving the flow of funds, ideas, and expertise between native Detroiters in and outside of the city. In addition, Steve co-chairs the Lawyers' Division of New Generations at the New Israel Fund. Email Steve. |
Alumni in Action
Amy Ravis Furey (NY 99-00)
It is with great joy, awe and many blessings that we welcome our daughter Emma Clair Furey into the world. Born January 9, 2011 at 6:46 pm, she weighs 4lbs 4oz. Emma eagerly jumped into the world 6 weeks early, just like big brother Michael. Emma earned the special honor of being the first Jewish baby born in the Kansas City area for 2011. Click here for a picture of Emma Clair. Email Amy.
Robyn Greenstein (NY 03-04)
Mazel Tov to Robyn who will be married to Aaron Kupferman in April 2011! Email Robyn.
Sarah Lesser (DC 06-07)
Sarah recently joined the staff of Moishe House as the Director of Repair the World Programming. She will support Moishe House communities across the world in their social justice and tikkun olam efforts. After AVODAH Sarah lived in Israel working with refugees, homeless youth and a plethora of Jerusalem citizens at the welfare office. She is am currently finishing her Masters in Social Work at Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Email Sarah.
Adam Levine (DC 08-09)
Adam was recently hired as the Volunteer Coordinator at the New York City Food Bank. Email Adam.
Jennie Netburn (DC 08-09)
Jennie has been accepted to several law schools and will begin at one of them this fall! Between now and then she'll be volunteering in Uganda for five weeks and traveling in Central or South America for a month. Travel suggestions? Email Jennie.
Emily Yates (DC 07-08)
Emily is graduating from Gonzaga University School of Law this Spring and has recently accepted a position as the Frank M. Coffin fellow with the Maine Bar Foundation and Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Portland, Maine. The Coffin Fellowship is a two-year position during which time Emily will represent low-income parties in family law cases. A "west-coaster" for the past few years Emily is excited to meet other AVODAH alumni in the Portland, Maine area! Email Emily.
Sarah Steege (NY 06-07)
Sarah will be spending the upcoming summer at the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF) in New York City doing civil rights litigation with the education and economic opportunity sections. Sarah is excited for LDF in particular and to be back in the city. Email Sarah.
Click here to submit your Alumni Announcement!
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Upcoming Events
Bay Area
Inside the Activists' Studio 2011
When: February 27th, 11:00am to 4:00pm
Where: Contemporary Jewish Museum
More information and registration.
Boston
The Inner Life and Activism
Activism is joyous work. It is also hard work. Trying to change societal power dynamics means confronting people and systems that do not want to change. It means persisting and encouraging and convincing whether one feels like it or not. Activism draws on our deepest desire to make things right. Because we care so much, and the work is so challenging, our buttons are often pushed. These feelings can sap our motivation or make our leadership less effective. Jewish teachings about the midot - soul traits - provide a powerful lense through which to understand these challenges and transform them into opportunities for change.
When: Tuesday evenings, February 15, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 and 12
Where: Cambridge or Brookline area
More information and registration.
Alumni Retreat Planning
Join Boston-area alumni in planning a May Alumni retreat.
When: Sunday, February 13th at 5:00pm (right before Book Club!)
RSVP: Email Stephanie Feuer-Beck.
AVODAH and Friends Book Club
This month we will gather in Jamaica Plains to discuss The Known World by Edward P. Jones. The book relates to both Washington D.C., an AVODAH site where many of us served, and February's role as Black History Month.
When: Sunday, February 13th at 6:00pm
RSVP: Email Darya Mattes.
Location provided upon RSVP.
Shapotluck
Join AVODAH Alumni and Friends for a satiating and relaxing start to Shabbat!
When: Friday, February 11th at 7:00pm
RSVP: Email Elana Brochin.
Location provided upon RSVP.
Chicago
Meet and Greet with AVODAH's New Executive Director, Marilyn Sneiderman
Save the Date: February 24th. Details to follow.
More information: Email Jackie Kaplan, Chicago Site Director.
Washington D.C.
Alumni Brunch!
In recognition of the strong support AVODAH D.C. received from Alumni in 2010, Site Director Paul Entis is hosting a celebratory brunch! This will be a great chance to schmooze, catch-up, connect, and reminisce.
When: Sunday, February 20th, 11:00am to 1:30pm
Where: Paul's place! Exact location upon RSVP.
RSVP: Email paul@avodah.net
New York
Peeling the Apple: Getting to the Core of Education and Its Impact on Social Change
When: February 10th, 2011
Where: Town and Village Synagogue, 334 East 14th Street
More information and registration.
A City Team event.
Justice and Jewish Thought
Given the strong interest in the program we are extending the registration deadline to February 7th.
When: Weekly, February 20th to April 10th
Where: Neighborhoods across New York City!
More information and registration.
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What's Been Happening in the Community
Bay Area
Back at the Ranch: Pursue at the Hazon Food Conference
Pursue Program Officer, Jocelyn Berger reports back on her experience eating, learning and praying at the nation's biggest gathering of the Jewish food (justice) movement.
Canada
Alumni Gathering
There was an impromptu Canadian AVODAH Alum gathering in Ottawa, ON, Canada on Sunday January 2, 2010, when the five of us found ourselves enjoying a meal at the same neighbourhood restaurant. Pictured here are Jess Weiss (NY, 06-07), Aaron Laurito (NY, 06-07), Rachel Gold (NY, 02-03), Lisa Levitt (NY, 00-01) and Cara Gold (CHI, 08-09). Ottawa has never seen so many AVODAH Alum at the same time - EVER. Great conversation ensued, as did lots of reminiscing about AVODAH and discussing the future of Canadian AVODAHniks. All five of us can't wait 'till the next time there's a gathering of AVODAH Alum in a Canadian city.
Chicago
Alumni Planning Gathering On Thursday, January 27th, 10 alumni met to enjoy each others company and plan for upcoming alumni events in Chicago. If you are interested in coming to our next planning session please email Kelly at kviselman@gmail.com. New Orleans
From Learning to Action: Justice and Jewish Thought
New Orleans participants in Justice and Jewish Thought outline their action steps for making change and continuing their adventure together.
New York
City Team: Reflecting and Recruiting for Next Year
As the New York City Team looks ahead to its final event, one member reflects on the year at PursueAction.org.
Interested in joining the City Team? Email Audrey Sasson, Pursue NYC Program Officer.
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Jobs and Professional Development
Bookkeeper and Junior Accountant, AVODAH. (New York City)
To apply, email cover letter and resume to info@avodah.net with 'Junior Accountant' in the subject line.
Internships at AVODAH
Development Intern, AVODAH. (New York City)
The development intern will gain valuable experience in fundraising, event planning and foundation work. The intern will work with staff to implement our development plan in addition to planning and executing a major fundraising event.
Communications and Marketing Intern, AVODAH. (New York City)
The intern will work with communications staff to develop and implement a communications strategy using social and new media.
While unpaid, these internships are incredible opportunities to gain experience in strategy and implementation of development and communications work. Interns will work with senior-level staff, take initiative and think creatively.
To apply: Send resume and cover letter to info@avodah.net with the appropriate job title in the subject line.
For a more extensive list of job offerings, see the Pursue: Action for a Just World monthly blog post, Gainful Pursuits. |
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Update Your Contact Information
Have you moved? Or changed your email
address, mailing address, or phone number recently? Email
Rachel Ann Gross with
your new information.
If you would like to be added to a regional listserve please email the following people:
Bay Area - Jocelyn Berger
New York - Audrey Sasson
DC, Boston, Chicago, Israel or New Orleans - Rachel Ann Gross
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Rachel Ann Gross, Program Associate
AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps
phone:
212-545-7759 ext 300
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