Paramus—Areyvut, a non-profit based in Bergenfield, NJ, just completed the fifth year of its Jewish Teen Philanthropy Program at Yeshivat Noam. The H.O.P.E. (Helping Organizations Provide Essentials) Program engaged 23 Yeshivat Noam 7th grade students and brought them together to act as the board or teen foundation. Students learn about community needs, philanthropy, valuable leadership skills, and about local agencies. The 2014 H.O.P.E. participants allocated $2,300 to Shirat Devorah, a non-profit started by a parent of a participant that seeks to raise awareness about ALS, provide funds for research, and support for families of ALS patients. Since Areyvut’s Teen Philanthropy Program began in 2007, 164 program participants have allocated $39,300 to agencies throughout the United States and Israel.
H.O.P.E. participants often remark on how the program has changed their view of charity and philanthropy. Kayla Grunstein learned “that helping a charity is not just giving money.” “H.O.P.E. taught me to care more about everyone,” commented Mikey Sanders. “Nothing is as important as helping others.” Sanders’ view was echoed by Kaylie Jacobs, who said “H.O.P.E. taught me that it’s important to help others, even if it’s just a minute in your day or a dollar from your pocket.”
According to Areyvut Founder and Director Daniel Rothner, despite more than 100 Jewish Teen Philanthropy Programs throughout the country, the H.O.P.E. Program at Yeshivat Noam is the only such program based in a day school in the area. It was recently highlighted at the JTFN Summit. Rothner explained, “We value our partnership with Yeshivat Noam and appreciate their ongoing commitment to infusing their curriculum and the school community with the core Jewish values of chesed, tzedakah, and tikkun olam.”
Founded in 2002, Areyvut develops and implements a wide array of educational programming and community service opportunities for Jewish youth, teens, and families.
For more information about Areyvut, or to bring the Teen Philanthropy Program to your community, please call (201)-244-6702 or e-mail [email protected].
