Alternative Spring Break:

Alternative Spring Breaks take groups of students out of their everyday surrounding and places them in new environments to engage in community service and experiential learning.  As part of short-term service projects, participants are challenged to see and understand difficult social issues such as poverty, literacy, and natural disasters and to explore questions of Judaism and social responsibility. 

This year, Hillel at UCLA is offering two Alternative Spring Break opportunities.  Rebuilding New Orleans and exploring educational and social inequality in Los Angeles.

Hillel's New Orleans Alternative Spring Break (March 21st-28th)

Join the growing community of over 3,100 Hillel students that have helped rebuild Mississippi and Louisiana since 2005.  Participants spend their days doing volunteer work which may include, but is not limited to, installing siding on houses, drywalling, painting, roofing, cleaning, etc. in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita.  After working, students engage in small group discussion and programming that delve into the underlying issues that were brought about by the storm.   Following a communal dinner, there are a myriad of activities including meeting with communal leaders and members of New Orleans' Jewish community.  The experience also includes a tour of the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and a restful and joyous Shabbat. 

Space: 20 participants.  Cost: $200 plus the cost of the flight (about $500 total).  Registration: Register Here! or at tzedek.hillel.org.  Deadline: Registration closes Monday, January 25^th, 2010. 

LA Uncovered: Exploring Los Angeles (March 23^rd-26^th)

Focusing our work on poverty, homelessness and exploring the issues that surround these challenges. Our work will include a variety of partners throughout the week. We will be working with LA’s Best, tutoring children. Other service projects will focus on educational and medical inequities which relate to our focus on poverty and homelessness issues.

Space: 15 participants.  Total Cost: $200  Deposit: $180 due at registration (applied towards total cost).  Registration: Register Here! or at www.uclahillel.org/uncovered. Deadline: Registration closes Monday, January 25^th, 2010. 

For more information about Alternative Spring Break, please contact Devi Reznik, Engagement Director, at devi@uclahillel.org.