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JAM Poetry

Friends for a lifetime
Friends for a year
Friends for a month
You'll hold them all dear.

Close to my heart
All of you will be.
You'll never know the impact,
That each has had on me.

From bone crushing hugs
That bring tears to my eyes
To crazy birthday songs
And amazing bus rides

Politics and prayer
Both are close to our hearts
But it's our friendships
That set us apart.

The friends that we've made
The love that we share.
Have made imprints on hearts
That'll always be there.

So whether Rabbi or student
Or someplace in between
I hope you'll all realize,
What I really mean.

All of these words that I've said
You need not remember
Just promise to live
To learn
To teach
To love;
Just promise to do it together.

-Jaci S
JAMer '07

Farewell from the Director

What a summer it has been! First of all, let me just say thank you. Thank you for being such amazing young Jewish leaders! It was a true pleasure working with each one of the JAMers.

PANIM’s goal for Summer JAM—as with all of our Jewish teen leadership programs—is no less than to change the way that participants think about Judaism, the world and themselves. By the end of their four weeks with us, each JAM participant has been able to explore, in a variety of ways, the connection between community service, political activism, and Jewish values within the context of a vibrant, pluralist, passionate Jewish community. We know that alumni of our programs will make a significant contribution to the future strength and vitality of American Jewry.

Again, it was a pleasure to get to know everyone! Thank you for all you do to make the Jewish community and the world, a better place.

B’ahava (with love),

Debbie

Director of Summer JAM

Summer JAM Cheer

sung to the tune of: The Danish Birthday song

Summer JAM is fun we say
We love to sing and dance and play
Summer JAM is here to stay. We learn to serve the world each day.
We're here, we're here! We learned the acronym of SPACE.
We're here, we're here! We really rock this place.
Rock, rock, rock, rock....

Environment and pulling weeds,
Makes us think that we like trees.
Economics, War and Peace, we play with kids and refugees.
We're here, we're here! We teach the kids their abc's.
We're here, we're here! But first we pray for peace.
Pray, pray, pray, pray.....

Another Day in Nick's Life

After waking a slightly later wake up, we had davening and breakfast just like any day. Afterwards however, we began to prepare for a mock presidential debate. During this time, we went over different presidential candidates views on a variety of subjects, including terrorism, homeland security and of course one of the most pressing issues, the environment and what the candidates felt could best help to stop global warming. This was followed by our economic justice class during which we had a mock debate about whether gentrification in the area of Sursum Corda was a good idea. After this we went on our field trip to the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery. After receiving a tour of the Pentagon from members of the U.S. Air Force and Navy, we then proceeded to Arlington Cemetery. There we saw the Kennedy Memorial and witnessed the changing of the guard, which was truly a sight to behold. After leaving the cemetery we had free time until six. When we returned at six, we heard about what JAM alumni can do after JAM, and how to go about organizing a reunion for all of the participants. This was followed by our presidential debate. While all the candidates did marvelous work during this debate, the camp as a whole felt that Rudolph Giuliani (played by Jonathan Weinberg) and Barak Obama (played by Susanna Glick) should represent the Republicans and Democrats, respectively. This was followed by dinner and free time, during which time many of us discussed the merits of the each of the candidate’s campaign. After this discussion we headed to our rooms to prepare for tomorrows exciting day at our service projects.
-Nick S, JAM '07
Los Angeles, CA

Lessons Learned

Summer JAM is never boring! On Monday, each group had class and service projects. Since I am in the Education class, I went to the Washington Middle School for Girls. My two group members and I were all sick so we fought to put on happy faces. As the character building session progressed, the girls started bouncing off the walls. They stopped listening to us and we not showing us the respect they had the past three sessions with them. I began by giving a calm but firm mini-lecture about the need to respect us as mentors. When that didn’t work, another of my PANIM friends stood up and raised her voice to the girls, which also failed. Finally, a third PANIM group member took one of the instigating girls aside and gave her a childish lecture.

During our debriefing session, I realized why I was so upset. I was disappointed in myself and my skills. I took it personally that the girls disrespected me and my friends. The entire experience taught me a valuable lesson. When working with children, not everything can go well every time. What matters is how you deal with the rough situations as a mentor. Although my disciplinary attempt didn’t work, I did not raise my voice, and I did not get mad. I am going to forgive, forget, and enjoy the next two days with the girls.

On a different note, we spent today simulating a presidential debate. The candidates each had a team and we researched and debated the different issues. As a debate student and political activist, I really enjoyed the program. Taking the role of John McCain was different and challenging for me. In the end, Obama and Guliani won. I think the entire JAM community got something out of this program, candidate or staff. At the end of this long day, I have to go do toranut but check back for another blog later.

-Jordan H

JAM '07

Covenant Groups

Covenant groups have provided for some of the most memorable, reflective, and entertaining times at Summer JAM. With Sam as our fearless leader, the laughter is abundant, but never at the expense of time for reflection. While other groups may tend to stick to more serious subjects during their group meetings, our range from light hearted activities to more sober topics. Our covenant group, affectionately dubbed "Hanky-Panky", managed to analyze the lyrics to Rhianna's Umbrella one day, and watch a documentary about Iranian Jews the next. No matter what the day's activity entails, covenant group always gives us a time to clear our minds after a busy day at JAM, whether it be through reflecting on our experience at the Holocaust Museum or singing Barbie Girl.

-Alexi D. & Talia M.
JAMers '07

Changing the World, One JAMer at a Time

Last night, we, the JAMers, were given the opportunity to converse in small groups with various young Jews working in the political world. I, personally, spoke with Yoni Bock, an information officer for USAID, Alexander Greenbaum, an economist with Nathan Associates, and Katie Schenk, a program associate for the population council. During our meeting with Bock, the JAMers went around and said what they hoped to do in the future.

As each JAMer spoke, I realized what amazing individuals have been brought together in our nation's capital for this program. One person said that they wanted to work for human rights around the world within the US government, another said that they wanted to travel abroad and educate impoverished children. One JAMer said that they wanted to work with local policy and help relieve poverty in the U.S., and another said that they wanted to provide free pediatric services in various developing countries. I was awed by the fact that, after only hearing four teens speak, we already seemed to have covered so much ground! It gives me hope for the future to know that there are so many people who all want to do different things, but achieve very similar goals. There are so many capable, passionate, and motivated teens at this program, and I look forward to seeing how each person improves the world in which we live.

-Dani M.
JAM '07

A Day in Nick's Life

After davening and breakfast this morning, we then went to our service projects. Mine consists of going to Bright Beginnings to help out homeless children. Bright Beginnings serves over 175 families (including singles MOMs in need of care for their children) in Washington D.C. annually and the work they do is just phenomenal. After spending some quality time at the park with my group of 3 year olds, we then had our economic justice class. During this class we discussed the problems facing today’s lower class due to the gentrification around Washington D.C., and discussed the merits of gentrifying a neighborhood. Later, we had free time during which I went to go use the incredible workout facilities allotted to us by GW University. After working out with the starting Point Guard of GW’s basketball team, I then went to dinner. After dinner we had a Jewish activist seminar during which we had some of Judaism’s brightest minds (including a former Harvard graduate who now works in the Sanctions department of the U.S. Government). This was followed by covenant groups, during which we discussed our day and what was to come. At the conclusion of these groups we went to prepare for the day to come and our trip to the Arlington cemetery and the Pentagon.

-Nick S.
JAM '07

The JAMers go hiking!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY in the 20037! (That's our zip code here at JAM, btw)

This week's theme is "Our Relationship to Israel as American Jewish Social Activists", and as such, we took a few hours today to spend time doing something Israelis love to do, namely, go hiking! The JAMers arrived at the gorgeous Great Falls National Park in Virginia this afternoon in high spirits and even higher energy. We enjoyed a brief film at the Visitor's Center which detailed the park's illustrious past, (including its relationship to John Smith and Pocahontas!!) which was followed by the breathtaking views of the Great Falls....after saying the blessing for seeing a natural wonder, we split into two groups: Mentor Eytan took the River Trail, which is a more challenging hike, while Mentor Rachel walked along the Canal Trail - a flat walk that ends with beautiful views atop a cliff. Both groups had a good shvitz and even better conversation - Rachel's group even saw a deer(!). Besides some quality time together, we all also got some much needed R and R - away from the hustle and bustle of the District. Who knew such natural beauty was a mere 20 minutes from DC?

-Rachel
Mentor

Most Meaningful Experiences from Week 2

Going to the Holocaust Museum made me realize how fortunate I am to be able to practice my religion and that I should take not take it for granted!
-Rachel P

Working with one and two year old homeless children at Bright Beginnings showed me that I have the ability to make a difference in people’s lives.
-Jordan H

The trip to the Holocaust Museum was moving and the trips to Capitol Hill was inspiring!
-Lexi D

My 4^th of July was my best ever! The Smithsonian Folklife Festival was amazing and the fireworks were the best I’ve ever seen!
-Jesse B

Helping Dara at the Washington Middle School for Girls was extremely meaningful! I was able to find God in her smile.
-Max L

Ruth Messinger was an incredible speaker that I will remember for a long time!
-Ben K

MY SERVICE PROJECT!
-Samantha H

Working with refugees was rewarding—they were so cute and sweet, and I really enjoyed working with them.
-Talia M

I’ve learned that it really isn’t that hard to talk face to face with a political figure.
-Adam A

My most meaningful experience was when I was making friendship bracelets with a refugee child, Rizwdna, and she chose to give me hers. This really touched me!
-Cara L

Visiting Capitol Hill and having meetings there was very interesting!
-Dani S

The baseball game, Capitol Hill, Congressional Simulation….
-Charlie T

…the refugee boy, I’ve been working with, said that I was his favorite part of camp.
-Naomi N

The Holocaust Museum was so powerful. I have been there so many times, but what I got out of it this time was how I have to stop genocide from happening again. I am not allowed to stand idly.
-Sara F

At Washington Middle School for Girls, not only was it self-fulfilling to tutor, it was also when I saw the smiling faces of the girls when they understood the material. Those smiles made me smile! I guess they saying is true—a smile can change a person’s day. The girls truly changed mine.
-Britty C

I’ve realized that the others JAMers are so special. They not only care about the world they live in, but they’re willing to work to change it for the better.
-Jaclyn S

I’m really glad I signed up for this!
-Eryca S

Rave Reviews for Street Torah

Street Torah was very meaningful and a great experience!
-Daniel M

Street Torah is hands down of the coolest things I’ve ever done. It made me realize that humanity does not stop because of economic position. These people are absolutely amazing and have a lot to share that I did not expect.
-Layni D

Street Torah was amazing. I wish we could have stayed longer! It changed the way I viewed homelessness.
-Brianne E

Street Torah because I used to be afraid of people who are homeless, but I learned they are no different from us. I learned they are equal to us and that they were just out in situations that made them homeless—I hope we can do this again.
-Michele GS

I had an amazing time at Street Torah. The man my group spoke with, made me realize how wrong the stereotypes of homeless people are. The man knew so much about the genocide in Darfur and had an idea of eliminating the penny!
-Ali P

Street Torah was so meaningful because it really opened my eyes to a different way of living and made me more conscience of America’s poverty problems.
-Susanna G

Street Torah—it was interesting to meet new people I wouldn’t have ever talked to before.
-Caitlin W

Street Torah was amazing because it provided an opportunity to communicate with and understand the situation of homeless people.
-Jon W

Street Torah—I love meeting people from all over and find things out I would never expect to hear from homeless people.
-Cassie S

Street Torah was great because it gave me a chance to break some barriers which I previously been behind. It gave me a chance to have a great conversation! Summer JAM rocks my socks!
-Uri W

Street Torah was an incredible experience, unlike any other “project” I’ve done before. It made me feel like I had made a difference, while refuting stereotypes about the homeless.
-Rebecca S

How to Tutor

Honen HaDaat: Crisis in American Education
Summer JAM 2007/5767 Session 1

For the past two weeks, we, a small group of students, have been visiting the Washington Middle School for Girls to help enhance the girls' knowledge and develop them as future leaders. To achieve these objectives we facilitate exercises that develop character and also assist them in their academic needs. Reflecting back on the course we all acquired new views and opinions on America's education system and we saw the education system through a different perspective. We also took away with us many new skills in dealing with peers, being consciencious , patient and learning how to be both a mentor and a friend.

The inspiration to better the world for all of us comes from very different places. In Hebrew Tikkun Olam is a word that means “repairing the world”. Before this service project we had an idea in our minds of how we wanted to help out the world, and now we have come to many conclusions as to how we can go about doing this and making the world a better place. We all have a different vision of what an inspiration is to us and some examples include showing people their full potential in striving to achieve, giving back to the undeserved, helping to better education, introducing new concepts to people of various backgrounds, developing well rounded persons, setting positive examples to develop new skills and continuing the responsibilities instilled in us by our personal mentors. In conclusion it is evident that we all have different sources of inspiration, some come from religion some come from our hearts but all are there to help repair the world(Tikkun Olam) just one step at a time.

Tutoring Techniques and Tools

After tutoring at Washington Middle School for Girls, here are techniques that can better the tutoring experience.

Personal Qualities

• be encouraging/supportive
• know the subject you're teaching
• be patient
• be personable
• love children and your job
• be adaptable to alternate methods

Teaching Methods

• keep things simple-- step by step
• lead by example
• give positive reinforcement
• teach method NOT answer
• make subject interesting/exciting
• find weaknesses and focus on strengthening skills
• use visual aids
• ensure that student understand (ask them to explain)

Interactions with Students

• relate to student
• make it personal-- use names often
• positive body language--maintain eye contact

Character Building

The goals of character building are to strengthen certain aspects of a child's character this changes depending on the child and activity

Techniques

• Create a balance between being a friend and a facilitator
• Organization
• Cater to the needs of the student when planning/facilitating
• Use body language to convey authority
• Don't single out individual students, but rather, address them as a group
• Encourage, but don't push
• Positive reinforcement
• Be flexible/adaptable
• Make sure activities are neither too short nor too long
• Sitting as a group in a circle
• If more than one facilitator, disperse facilitator between students

Ideas

• Teach and utilize a quiet down cheer
• Always have emergency/back up activities
• Ask for input from the students

Personal Reflections

Working with kids has really taught me the virtue of patience. Going into this experience, I wasn't really sure what to expect. The first day really exceeded my expectations with their excitement and interest in getting to know everyone. I did notice that the idea of saying goodbye, which has always seemed so innocent to me, meant a lot to these girls. This taught me to appreciate the little every day occurrences in life. The girls are all so unique and have so many talents to contribute to this world. The one thing I've really grown to admire is that despite the fact that they have to go to classes in the summer, they still manage to live life to its fullest with radiant smiles. Although at times it was difficult to keep them focused, I really learned to understand the meaning of patience. With patience, the outcomes are greater and more successful! My hope for the girls is that they continue on to high school and hopefully then to college. They have taught to me the importance of a good laugh and to remain positive.

-Britty C

While tutoring at the Washington Middle School for Girls I was surprised to be greeted with such enthusiasm by the girls. They always greeted us with smiles and parted with hugs. Their automatic attachment to us made our jobs easy and enjoyable. They participated and seemed to enjoy our presence. It was such great experience working with the wonderful young women at WMSG and i learned a lot of techniques while teaching them. They are such great girls with such great personalities. They are so inspiring. They show up to school every day during the summer with smiles despite the tough situations they might be enduring at home. They all live and love and it is wonderful being around such positive enthusiastic girls because sometimes I forget about the little things that make you happy.

-Rachel B

During my time at the Washington Middle School for girls, I was deeply changed. I came into this experience expecting an under-equipped learning environment that differed little from the public schools. What I found was something completely different. This school embodies a unique educational philosophy. I found a school that was well-equipped to serve the needs of its students. The teachers really seem to care about their students. But the students themselves surprised me the most. I expected to find a school filled with girls who had spent far too much time on the streets. What I found was a group of students who wanted a friend, an education, and a legitimate chance at achieving their dreams.

-Jesse B

Rachel B, Jesse B, Louis C-B, Britty C, Brianne E, Susannah G, Jessica G, Elizabeth G, Max L, Mandy R, Nick S, Cassie S, Erica S, Corinne T

Encounter with Homelessness

Tonight, students had the special opportunity to hear two guest speakers from the National Coalition for the Homelessness (NCH). Joanne Jackson and John Harrison are both residents of Washington DC and are both formerly homeless. JAMers listened with rapt attention as Joanne and John told their personal stories. Joanne talked about pulling herself up from a childhood of poverty to become a successful businesswoman, before being dragged back down into homelessness due to a substance abuse problem. John's story may have come even closer to students' hearts—he was a successful pioneer in the early days of the computer industry, but lost his livelihood in lay-offs and his home to a fire. Students cheered when he announced that he had just reached three months living off the streets.

As a teacher, it was a great pleasure to watch the students really trying to identify with the speakers they were listening to. They showed obvious emotion throughout the presentation stories (the young woman sitting in front of me was quietly sobbing as John gave his story) and afterwards asked incisive and sensitive questions. Many students shared that they thought that Joanne and John were the best speakers of the program so far, and they felt much better equipped to make a difference in regard to a problem they encounter everyday here in Washington DC and at home.

Perhaps when the JAMers visit Capitol Hill next week they will remember Joanne and John—and maybe convince their legislators that it is time that remember them as well.

For more information on the National Coalition for Homelessness visit http://www.nationalhomeless.org/

-Adam
Teacher, Ethics of War and Peace

Second Shabbat

Shabbat concluded our week of "Jews as Global Citizens" and began exploring our new theme, "Our Relationship with Israel as Social Activists". This sudden change of topics as focused us on an underlying tension in our JAM community--how to balance personal priorities as Jews and teens with social obligations. Do my priorities as a Jew outweigh global priorities on a scale of responsibility to humanity?

In order to prepare to answer these questions throughout the next week, we first had a relaxing Shabbat. Rachel G. inspired us all with her holy words of wisdom on Friday night, and the Ruach (spirit) Committee outdid themselves with song and dance. The next day started off with visits to local synagogues (BTW, the DC Minyan, a traditional egalitarian group, received rave reviews!), and then we had free time to enjoy Shabbat together in small groups. During free time, I learned how to play Texas Hold 'Em (using candy of course!), and although Adam G. may have a future if Jewish education doesn't work out, Erica, Dan, Billy, and Ben should keep their day jobs-LOL!

Our afternoon activity took our friendships to the next level. We engaged in trust activities, which involved free falling backwards into a partner's hands. We all left further bonded, if a little bruised.

By the end of Shabbat, the day had shifted full throttle to Israel. We learned about Israel's history through interactive assignments, one of which was "Paper Bag Dramatics." Using only the materials in a paper bag, we had to act out the life stories of Israeli figures. For example, Naomi's group skillfully acted out the life of Golda Meir, using only a lemon gum drop, a nickel, a piece of paper, and a watch. Thank you to Lani for planning such an amusing, but educational Shabbat program.

After a touching Havdallah led by Adam A, Max L, and Sara F, the FUN Committee presented an Israeli Fair to give a taste of Israel to all of us. We had Bedouin guest visitors, Jamal and Ishmael (aka Jon W and Charlie T), in a creatively constructed tent (thank you Robert!), where one could enjoy tea and pin the tail on the camel. There was a gaga court that Daniel H and Jesse dominated (you were close Brianne, you were so close!). A trivia contest led to pies in the face for some unfortunate counselors. There was make your own mezzuzah and face painting. All in all, we each unleashed the piece of Israel that lies inside every Jew's heart and now we feel ready to contemplate the balancing of our obligation as Jews and Global Citizens.

-Ilana
JAMer '07

JAMers Most Meaningful Experiences of Week 1

I felt it incredibly inspiring, in light of our mission here, to visit the monuments honoring our past great presidents. Remembering their accomplishments gave me hope that one day we will return the US to the glory of their respective periods.
-Rachel G.

The experience of being in DC and being with a great group of people.
-Daniel W.

Going through life, we often assume that we know everything about those close to us, and I think the same is true of religious views. As a Conservative Jew, I have the tendency to assume that I know all there is about the Reform and Orthodox movements. The panel on pluralism corrected that assumption and led me to really think hard and ask more questions about other movements. The program made me realize how much more there is to know about my own religious practice.
-Susanna S.

Working with the children at the WMSG has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Summer JAM. While I had high expectations for the service project initially, words cannot descrive how much of an impact the students at WMSG have had on me. It may sound cliché, but I can only hope that I’ve impacted these girls the way they’ve impacted me.
-Jessica G.

I loved meeting new people from all over the country. This is the first place I’ve been where everyone is incredibly nice and open to different ideas and opinions. This is the most unique and inspiring experiences—and one of the best summers—I’ve ever had!
-Rebecca S.

I decided to read the Torah from the beginning.
-Cara L.

Connecting with the children at the refuee day camp. The class relates religion and world today.
It’s very inspirational, how I have grown as a Jew and person.
-Jenn B.

My most meaningful experience was bonding with everyone and getting to understand them though Apples to Apples.
-Jesse B.

Working with homeless children at Bright Beginnings was such a great experience. I really think I made a difference.
-Eryca S.

The Pluarlism Panel [about major denominations of Judasim], because I learned information about Judaism I didn’t know before.
-Rachel B.

Working with refugee children has truly opened my eyes to the true meaning of Tzelem Elohim, that all life is created in the image of G-d.
-Adam A.

I loved Bike the Sites because it was so much more fun that I expected it to be, and it was a great bonding experience and fun way to see the sites.
-Alexi D.

I have truly enjoyed the bipartisan views of this amazing program. Everything has been so meaningful and I’m having the best summer ever.
-Nick S.

I love it; the staff, the people, and the learning is awesome
-Rachel B.

I’ve enjoyed talking with fellow JAMers about different sects of Judaism. My class has taught me a lot and ways to advocate for economic justice
-Rachel G.

So far I have become closer with every JAMer than I am with most people at my school
-Jordan H.

Them most meaningful moment at JAM was volunteering at the Washington Middle School for Girls. I have learned that I have so many opportunities to help people and I should take advantage of those opportunities.
-Susannah G.

On our second day working with the refugee children, the boy I had been working with the day before smiled at me and said ‘Naomi, come sit by me.’
-Naomi N.

Friday night ruach was great!
-Natalie S.

First entering my service project, working with refugee children, I thought I would make them happy, but the truth is after three visits, they’ve taught me more than I could ever hope to teach them.
-Ali P.

Going to services at Adat Shalom was such a great experience. I loved how the temple had such an overwhelming feeling of community and love.
-Mandy R.

For me, the most meaningful moment was the Havdallah at the Lincoln Memorial, because of the significance of prayer and setting.
-Jon W.

The most meaningful experience this past week was in my service project/class when we took these theoretical concepts of war and combined them win concrete interactions with real refugee children who have experienced the true and horrific consequences of war.
-Rachel B.

It was very meaningful to walk the White House and hear Jewish Liaison/Policy advisor to President Bush because he represents our community to the most powerful man in the world.
-Daniel M.

Most meaningful experience was getting ot meet so many different types of Jews and be able to embrace my Judaism.
-Cassie S.

The most meaningful moment for me was the panel because I was able to learn about the different sects in Judaism! It helped me gain knowledge and grow as a person.
-Corrine T.

Visiting the Reconstructionist synagogue [has been the most meaningful experience on JAM so far]. It was the most inspirational service I ever attended and unlike anything I have seen before.
-Erica S.

When we were crossing over the line it was really amazing to learn about other people’s view.
-Caitlin W.

Biking through DC! I had so much fun with everyone. I didn’t realize how much fun being Jewish could be!
-Rachel P.

When I went to Bright Beginnings, I expected to see malnourished and underdressed children, but I found well-dressed and extremely well-behaved children, who wanted to play like any other kid, despite the fact that they were homeless.
-Chloe S.

Everything! Meeting with people, experience Judaism with my peers, and meeting girls at my service project [Washington Middle School for Girls] and making them believe that their dreams are real.
-Brianne E.

Bike riding was my most meaningful experience here. I overcame many obstacles by biking the sites and it was a great bonding experience.
-Danielle S.

I loved the nighttime monument tour. It was really moving and the sights are amplified ten-fold in the dark.
-Jaclyn S.

I loved meeting new people. It was meaningful because everyone on this program is very open to meeting new people even if they came with people they know.
-Sam H.

At the Institute of Peace, we did a simulation role playing for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and watching other teens, finally, really, truly see the other side of the debate was inspiring. Too often as Jews we talk about the importance of being open-minded while we ourselves aren’t able to exercise the value so it is so great when we are able to put into action our education and learning.
-Rachel L.

I was walking with some chicos and a chica and we like became friends in such a weird way. It was like, we knew we were supposed to be friends and then…KABAM, we were clicked! I love Summer JAM.
-Ilana H.

I expected to learn about pluralism during our classes, but I really enjoyed talking about it in our free time also. We can learn a lot and are interested in each other.
-Sara F.

"My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty..."

Intense patriotism pulsed through us JAMers, as we gathered for the a 4th of July to remember. The fact that it was juxtaposed to a sober day and a trip to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, further increased our love for America, as we realized what a great country we live in. So it was only right to spread that cheer around, and we did so through Washington, DC's homeless community. We passed out socks, food, and smiles, but in the end, they helped us more. Through our conversations, (Jon, you always find those Yankees fans!), they taught us to count our blessings and to see the person behind the face--for that we could never thank them enough.

We went straight to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and learned about other cultures using all of our five senses (Jesse says the ginger chicken rocks!). The most moving experience for involved the "Peace Tree" that Billy and Dan discovered. Anyone could write a wish and then tie the paper to the tree. The papers will be collected and sent to Japan, where some will be displayed. My wish was "May my children never know of war, and may those that know be comforted."

And then JAM got the party started! Decked out in our most patriotic apparel (Ben and Susie--I only have two words--so cool!), we had a massive barbeque and sang classic American songs. Then we walked to the most spectacular display of fireworks the USA has to offer. We had prime seats and could feel the tremor of the Capitol as it celebrated the signing of the most important document ever! Reflecting later over apple pie, we could still feel the depth of history surrounding us, and were filled with the hope and the want to further perfect the country we love. We, JAMers, know that we will make this country even greater; we know that we won't let America down.

G-d bless the USA,
Ilana
JAM '07

P.S. Kasher Koach to Alexa for a spiritual and reconnecting meditation minyan this morning! It was wonderful!

July 4th in DC!

What a wonderful week!

Fireworks last night at the mall topped off an inspiring July 4th. The pinnacle of the day was ‘Street Torah’ a program where students encounter homeless individuals and talk to them about their lives. We started by studying Jewish texts in the Bet Midrash about Jewish attitudes to poverty and tzedakah and discussed the importance of giving words of comfort to
those in need in addition to providing physical sustenance. This is an archetypal PANIM program – we learn to truly meet the other face to face (panim el panim) – and listen to their stories, seeing their humanity and dignity.

Students said: “I learned that homeless people are just like us, that they are intelligent and that I can learn from them.”

“Now I know that I will notice the homeless people in the street and won’t be able to ignore them.”

“Talking to these homeless people made me feel more human myself.”

We have had an exciting week- a spirited Shabbat full of song and community time, a beautiful havdalah at the monuments on Saturday night, a wild Sunday field trip inner tubing on the Shenandoah, and the continuation of our meaningful service projects and classes. We had the
honor of hearing from Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service, on Monday night, who charged us all with the mission to get involved with politics and take action to correct the injustices in the world. Today, we embark for Capitol Hill to meet with experts on the issues we have been studying in class and directly act to fulfill this charge.

Chazak ve’Ematz – may we go forth with strength and courage as we approach our second Shabbat together as a community.

-Debbie
Director of Summer JAM

Shabbat on JAM

We experienced our first Shabbat on Summer JAM! We were very excited because we had the opportunity to attend Shabbat services in the Jewish community. Many students went to Adat Shalom, the Reconstructionist synagogue that was founded by Rabbi Sid Schwarz, the President and Founder of PANIM. Others went to Adas Israel, the Conservative synagogue or Kesher Israel, the Orthodox synagogue. Later in the afternoon, after some Shabbat free time, all of us met for a huge game of Capture the Flag! Later in the evening, we had a community program about "Jews as Global Citizens." We discussed the role of Jewish involvement in world needs and how we can get involved. Finally, we held Havdalah outside the Lincoln Memorial and took a night tour of the monuments. Overall, it was a wonderful Shabbat and we look forward to next week!

-Lani
Mentor

Pandas, Tigers, and Ice Cream--Oh my!

With the awkwardness of meeting new people over, Summer JAM began it's second week under the theme Jews as Global Citizens. Refreshed, but sore from Sunday's tubing (oy vey Corinne and Laura, those are some war scars to be proud of!), we set off as old and close friends to our individual service projects. My class (Ethics of War and Peace) headed to the National Zoo to meet the students from the Arlington Refugee Center for a scavenger hunt. We bonded over pandas, tigers, and ice cream. Additionally, we learned how to say the names of the different animals in each of our native languages. It's amazing how similar Hebrew was to the children's native languages! BTW, if you ever go to the zoo, Mactus of Ethopia highly recommends the Reptile House and Thomaj from Somlia recommends the elephants.

After the zoo, the Ethics class headed down to the nonpartisan, federally funded organization, The United Institute of Peace. We had a meaningful and intense session with Mr. Jeffrey Helsing discussing the many complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we role played the different faces involved in the issue, it was a learning experience for all.

During free time, some JAMers chose to tour Georgetown University, while others explored the culinary delights of DC! Rachel highly recommends Michael Moore's Sicko. But to top this wonderful day was the inspirational Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service. She told us that any of us could make a difference in the world, no matter how big it is. Together, bonded in every sense, we all knew that we could too.

Peace Out,
Ilana
Hollywood, FL
JAMer '07