If you had told me during our 4:20 AM wake-up call a few days ago that this group would still have the energy to shovel dirt in Ofakim, work in the fields of Tlalim, and pack boxes for Soroka late into the evening, I would have told you to drink some water, find some shade, and stop talking nonsense. But that’s exactly what happened.
This past week was all about tikkun olam – the real, hands-on version. Not just talking about making a difference, but rolling up our sleeves and doing it. Here’s a look at what that meant.
Save a Child’s Heart
We kicked off our volunteering here, and the energy in the room was incredible. Our teens were excited to visit, but seeing the children’s faces light up the moment we walked through the door was unforgettable. It didn’t matter that they didn’t speak the same language. Within minutes, everyone was playing, laughing, and completely immersed in the moment. It brought the group together and set the perfect tone for the week.
Ashkelon & Eilat with the Jewish Agency
Next, we jumped into logistics and community support with the Jewish Agency. Even with the desert heat in Eilat, no one slowed down. The group put their heads down and got the job done. They saw firsthand that experiences like this take an enormous amount of teamwork behind the scenes, and they were proud to play a meaningful role.
Packing in Yeruham
We volunteered at a sheltered workshop where elderly adults and individuals with special needs pack products for local vendors. Before we began, we talked about the importance of respecting both the workspace and the products, since everything we packed would eventually be sold. The group took that responsibility seriously, quickly finding a rhythm and taking pride in knowing their work was directly supporting the local community.
Garden Makeover in Ofakim
We spent the day volunteering with Avidar, an organization that provides housing for older adults and others in need. Our project was to restore a communal neighborhood garden. The work wasn’t easy, but our teens grabbed shovels and rakes without hesitation and got to work. Watching them transform the space together was one of the highlights of my week. By the end, they were exhausted, but seeing what they had built with their own hands gave them a real sense of accomplishment.
It’s easy to visit a place, snap a few pictures, and head back to the air-conditioned bus. This week, these teens chose something different. They chose to contribute. They left a piece of themselves in the communities they served and with the people they met along the way.
Parents, you should be incredibly proud. They worked hard, laughed through the heat, and made a meaningful impact.
Shabbat Shalom from all of us!
