Teen Program Slated for the Fall

Calgary teens are busy people, with lots on their plate, as their parents will attest. In addition to their many extracurricular activities, they volunteer in a variety of ways in the broader community. Now a program is being planned to help educate them about potential volunteering opportunities and give them the tools and resources to be successful.

Calgary Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Service are collaborating on a program to educate young Jewish teens, grades 7-12, about the Jewish values related to Bikur Cholim (visiting Jewish community members who are frail, ill or disabled) and Jewish end-of-life beliefs and traditions. One of the goals of the program is to encourage teens to undertake Bikur Cholim projects in the Jewish community, either individually or in groups.

The program will take a workshop format. Part One will involve education on the importance of Bikur Cholim and ways that teens can become involved in helping frail Jewish seniors or those with disabilities. This session will also provide ideas and tools for the participants to help them visualize opportunities. Part Two will involve a presentation on Jewish end of life beliefs and traditions, a presentation by the Chevra Kadisha, as well as a tour of the Chevra Kadisha Chapel. Financial assistance is being provided by the Jewish Community Foundation of  Calgary.

“We hope this program will provide a foundation for our youth to encourage a lifelong practice of helping others,” says Calgary Jewish Community Chaplain Sari Shernofsky, one of the program planners. 

For more information, please contact Sari Shernofsky at 403-251-6507 or sari.shernofsky@shaw.ca

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