Teens taking part in J-Serve Community-wide Teen Day of Service

On April 28, 50 high school teens and 30 University of Hartford (UHA) students took part in the J-Serve Community-wide Teen Day of Service, an interactive day of learning, doing and, most of all, giving back, hosted by the Jewish Teen Learning Connection (JTConnect). The group built and decorated musical instruments designed by University of Hartford instructor Ryan Wolfe and students from his design classes. The instruments were then donated to organizations in Israel that work with children and teens with special needs. In addition, students participated in an interactive session, led by Shayna Gopin, director of the Hartford area Friendship Circle, that helped them experience what it might be like to live with a physical or mental disability. Gopin also taught about Judaism’s focus on creating an inclusive community. The UHA students worked alongside teens with special needs to create instruments — painting, gluing, stringing, and filling drums, xylophones, shakers, and glockenspiels.

J-Serve: Community-wide Teen Day of Service was a collaborative effort, sponsored by Beth El Temple, B’nai Brith Youth Organization, B’nai Tikvoh Sholom, The Emanuel Synagogue, Friendship Circle, Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, Hebrew High School of New England, Jewish Teen Learning Connection, the Mandell Jewish Community Center and United Synagogue Youth.

Jewish Teen Learning Connection is a group for kids in grades 6 through 12 that enhances their connection to Jewish heritage, traditions and values. Synagogue membership is not required.