Middle School Mitzvah Corps
Rooted in the three pillars of Judaism—Torah (learning), Avodah (service), and G’milut Chasedim (acts of loving kindness)—this immersive six-week experience empowers middle schoolers to discover their authentic Jewish voice while making a real difference in our community. Your child will develop leadership skills and deepen their Jewish identity alongside like-minded peers through hands-on community-service projects, ritual exploration, and meaningful study of sacred texts— all through a Jewish values-based lens.
Program Information:
The Middle School Mitzvah Corps (MSMC) will meet on Thursday evenings six times this winter. Meetings will run from 5:30 – 8:00pm, and will include dinner at the JFCS Mid-North Peninsula office, located at 2001 Winward Way, Suite 200, San Mateo, CA 94404. The group will be Led by Merav Berger, PhD, YouthFirst Regional Director.
Session Info:
- Session 1 | January 23, 2025: Amiyut (Peoplehood); Me, Myself, and Am Israel—Exploring Jewish Peoplehood. Building community together and creating a brit (set of communal agreements)
- Session 2 | January 30, 2025: Sakranut (Curiosity); Wonder and Awe—Exploring Curiosity the Jewish Way. Our service event will be food sorting/food baskets at the JFCS Food Bank
- Session 3 | February 6, 2025: Ometz Lev (Courage); Courage of the Heart-Shining Light for Others. We will make flameless candles alongside seniors so they can use them in their residences.
- Session 4 | February 13, 2025: Arevut (Community Mindedness); Menschlikeit—Community Mindedness and Making an Impact. We will be making aromatherapy satchels for family survivors of domestic violence.
- Session 5 | February 27, 2025: Rodef Shalom (Pursuit of Peace); Tallit as a Tent—Promoting and Pursuing Peace. Creating “sukkot shalom” and engaging in a Jewish identity building activity
- Session 6 |March 6, 2025: Simcha (Joy); Simcha and Celebration—Honoring the work we have done and will continue to do. We will have our closing ceremony, learning blessings to sanctify the moment and celebrating through rikudei am (Israeli folk dance).
There will also be two opportunities to volunteer as a cohort outside of the Thursday evening sessions. One will be with JFCS’ Jewish Baby Network, serving as Childcare Crew at Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto on Sunday, February 9, at 10:30am. The other volunteer opportunity is being finalized, updates to follow soon.
Register your middle schooler now for our Spring 2025 cohort! Limited spots available.
Registration Deadline: January 17, 2025
Participation fee: $36
Questions? Please email Merav at: [email protected]
The Middle School Mitzvah Corps is generously sponsored by the JFCS Marin Donor Circle.
