by Lori Rubin, Director, Family Engagement
Almost 120 jkids have become jkidphilly Venturers this summer – venturing into their homes and local communities to perform mitzvot! Families all over Greater Philadelphia, and even a few across the country, explored four Jewish values: Hakhnasat Orhim (Welcoming Guests,) Tzedakah(Justice/Giving,) Hiddur Mitzvah (Bringing Beauty To A Ritual,) and Bikkur Holim (Visiting the Sick.) We taught our families about each of these mitzvot through weekly emails and special cards and invited and encouraged them to participate in these mitzvot while at home, or even while on vacation. One jkid parent said of the program, “For the Tzedakah venture, my daughter put money in her PJ Library tzedakah box for the JRA. We also donated a box of clothes to the goodwill store. She liked how the money will go to help others!” In this way, families were taking the learning and performing of Jewish values and incorporating them into their daily lives in a mindful way. Additionally, jkidphilly hosted a special event for each of our values in order to bring the community together.
Each week, families would send us stories, pictures, and videos of their kids learning about how to help others. Click here to see our photo galleries or here to see our Facebook posts.
Programming highlights included: a Pre-Shabbat playdate on the grounds of the Mandell Educational Campus (where our Jewish Learning Venture office is located- we welcomed guests into our “home”,) a special Boker Tov at the Beach program where we asked jkids to put their pennies into one of three Tzedakah boxes as they chose an organization that helps those in need, an inside view to the to the art museum where jkids got a special tour, and our third annual jkidphilly goes to the Zoo program, where we learned from zoo educators how to take care of sick or injured animals.
We look forward to providing additional opportunities throughout the upcoming year to engage and empower families to learn together, to inspire each other, and to connect to others in new and different ways. If you are interested in the jkidphilly Venturer program, please contact Lori Rubin, Director, Family Engagement.
