A Note from the Director
Summer JAM has got off to a great start!
After getting to know each other, singing together and laughing together on Monday, students had a JAM packed second day: we visited the White House and heard from Jeremy Katz, White House Liaison to the Jewish Community; we studied together as a community in a Bet Midrash (traditional house of study) and dived into passionate discussions of controversial topics in classes on Economic Justice, The Crisis in the American Classroom, Global Warming and Ethics of War and Peace.
On Wednesday, students started their service projects tutoring students at
Working with refugees was a powerful experience for JAMers: "I am speechless! Full of joy", said Adam A, NJ, "I felt like they were teaching us," said Ilana H, FL. After tutoring at the Middle School, students were inspired and empowered: "It is really helping me appreciate things I took for granted like integration in the education system, which for me was a historical fact but for these students is an essential part of their lives," explained Max L, NJ. Erica S., IL said: "It amazes me how attached to us the middle-schoolers are already, and how much of an impact we already have had. I also realize how privileged I am'.
In Bet Midrash sessions, students discussed the value of learning with a chavruta – a study partner, and its connection to pluralism. Shira T, NY, said: "learning with someone else forces you to articulate your thoughts and gives you a deeper understanding of your own perspectives'. Cara L., NJ added, "this kind of learning helps us to be humble… you realize there are other ways of seeing things and other perspectives." Jordan H, IL explicated a Talmudic text, saying: "When two people have different views it is like metal clashing against metal. When metal clashes it creates a spark, just like when fire was first created by hitting two rocks together. So when two people disagree with each other that spark can lead to something as amazing as fire."
The value of pluralism and diversity have continued to be addressed throughout the JAM program: on Wednesday evening, a panel of rabbinic students from different denominations was followed by intense and personal discussions in covenant groups where students explored their personal beliefs and practices and challenged each other to think about religion from new angles.
Students also have formed committees to run different aspects of the program such as entertainment (the Kef Committee); services (the Tefillah committee); yearbook; Shabbat; and Governance Council which is currently discussing how to reduce waste on the program, and improve recycling efforts.
A bike tour of the monuments and memorials yesterday was a refreshing opportunity to get to know DC and learn about American history; the thunderstorm in the middle enhanced the experience!
We are looking forward to a relaxing Shabbat together as a community and a fun field trip, inner tubing, on Sunday. It is thrilling that JAM has got off to such a fantastic start. We are lucky to have such sincere and motivated students to work with and are excited for the month ahead!
Shabbat Shalom,
Debbie
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