"It is not on you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it."
Pirkei Avot, 2:21, 20

Young Judaea's Alternative Winter Break (AWB) will conduct its high school age program in 2011 in two different communities in the United States: New Orleans and with the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

AWB participants, from l., Lior Yaari (New York), Amanda Levinson (Pennsylvania), Bentzion Wollner (California), Sequoia Sellinger (New York), Rachel Schwartz (New York).

Young Judaea is committed to continuing the work that is still so greatly needed in New Orleans – helping to rebuild that city and community. After spending AWB 2008 and AWB 2010 in New Orleans, Young Judaea has developed a deep understanding of the work that remains. We will continue to partner with organizations in New Orleans—and seek out additional partner organizations-- to further solidify our relationship to the community.

For 2011, Young Judaea is running a second, concurrent AWB program in the Navajo Nation. Through their mifgash (encounter) with the Native Americans, the teens will learn about American and Native American history, while working on meaningful service projects in the community. Service will vary each day at this site, and range from trash clean-up to volunteering at the local boys and girls club.

AWB plays a significant role in producing Jewish leaders of tomorrow by building a commitment to social action, strengthening Jewish identity and creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

We have just opened registration for AWB and would like to invite all 9th-12th graders who are interested in social action to register!

For additional information email winterbreak@youngjudaea.org and/or check out our website www.youngjudaea.org/awb

AWB 2010 participants