By , JTNews Correspondent
Then the voice of the Divine called out, “who shall I send, who shall go for us?” And I replied, “here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
As Jews, we have a special obligation to not separate ourselves from the community. From biblical times to today, our community has responded to the needs of others through volunteerism. Indeed, at the heart of our Jewish tradition is the concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world. We can do that by giving of ourselves freely to make our community — and our world — a better place.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle is proud to join JTNews in saluting our community’s volunteers who uphold our 3,000-year-old history. They carry boxes to fill our Jewish Family Service food bank. Their faces bring smiles to the sick, lonely and frail. Their voices engage others in our community to act, to participate and to give. Their minds help shape a vibrant future for Seattle’s Jewish community.
There are many words in the Jewish tradition that define the imperatives to volunteer including chesed (kindness) and tzedakah (righteous giving). When I see nearly 100 teens spending time with children with special needs at the Friendship Circle or a Stroum JCC auditorium overflowing with Super Sunday callers, what strikes me is that for many, the simple joy of helping others connects us to our ancient traditions and our sense of Jewish peoplehood.
Finally, please know that the work of our community simply would not happen without a partnership involving literally thousands of volunteers. To all those who help strengthen Jewish organizational life, I offer my heartfelt thanks. You are the lifeblood of our community, answering the call to build a Seattle Jewish community and world that our children and grandchildren will be proud of.
— Richard Fruchter, President and CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
Below are listings of many different volunteering opportunities throughout our community. Please contact the individual organization for further details.
J-Serve 2012
Ben at bstarsky@bbyo.org
For teens only! April 29 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Stroum Jewish Community Center
National Jewish teen day of volunteering. Young adult chaperones needed.
Jewish Family Service
Contact Jane Deer-Hileman, Director of Volunteer Services
206-861-3155 or volunteer@jfsseattle.org
Bellevue ESL Class Assistants and Tutors
Assistants, class leaders and tutors needed Mondays-Thursdays, weekends and evenings.
Kent and Tukwila Family Mentors
Immigrants in Kent/Tukwila need mentors, drivers, ESL, job coaching, orientation.
Kent Intern
Mentor, organize workshops and support groups for sole provider refugee women.
Friendly Visitors
Visit seniors, nursing home clients and others every other week.
Big Pals
Accompany youths and preteens on recreational activities. One-year commitment.
Home Delivery
Deliver groceries to clients who can’t reach the food bank. Car required.
Gleaning for Good
Collect farmers market produce Sundays, April—November for the food bank.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday FLE, Shaarei Tikvah events, food bank shifts, or be on-call.
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
Contact Volunteer@JewishInSeattle.org or 206-443-5400
Volunteer Researchers
Keep the Federation’s databases updated. Phone calls and internet, Microsoft Word and Excel familiarity required. 2-6 hours/week ongoing.
Database Assistant
Update records, lifecycles, award winners, board members in database. Computer literacy required. 1-8 hours/week ongoing.
Administrative Aid
Help departments with records, mailings, communication, writing, social media and more. 2-8 hours/week.
Internships
Interns needed for office tasks in marketing, accounting, development and community services. Phone etiquette, computer literacy and multitasking a must.
Event Coordinator
Michael Wardlow at 206-774-2256
Summer intern needed for marketing and event planning 15-20 hours/week to organize Campaign Kickoff on Sept. 23.
Jconnect
Josh Furman at joshf@hilleluw.edu
Lifelong AIDS Alliance
1002 E Seneca St.
Pack safer sex kits, prepare informational materials. Thursdays 4-7 p.m.
Kline Galland Home
Lucy Spring
206-725-8800 or lucys@klinegalland.org
Assist with Bingo, Mah Jongg, Bridge; escort residents to activities; lead or assist a class; assist creative arts therapy programs; perform music or entertainment; assist afternoon café (food handler’s permit required); monitor movie room; provide one-on-one interaction; be on call for myriad chores.