Category Archives: Featured
Jewish Service Corps Member Helps Jewish Queer Youth Thrive
Gen Z refuses to be redistricted out of their future
When Representative Larvadain III asked Sam if people of her generation would make Louisiana a home under these conditions, the subtext of the question seemed to be: Will you settle down and accept this proposed injustice as the new status quo? Sam said, emphatically, no. Continue reading
Beyond the Bayit: DC’s First Joint Alumni and Corps Members Retreat
For the first time, Avodah DC’s spring retreat brought together current Corps Members and alumni from the two previous cohorts—a weekend that showed what it looks like when the connections made in the bayit (communal home) extend beyond the service year.
Jewish Justice Fellow finds strength in sitting with discomfort
In a moment when everything feels binary, Mackey came to the Avodah Jewish Justice Fellowship looking for something different—a space to sit with discomfort, explore nuance, and reconnect with his Jewish identity in a meaningful way.
Jewish Service Corps Member Connects Communities to Climate Action
Meet Oscar, an Avodah Jewish Service Corps Member at Food & Water Watch in Washington, D.C., where he’s mobilizing people to make their voices heard. As he puts it, “We have more say and power, and it’s our responsibility to keep fighting for it.”
Why “Loving Thy Neighbor” is a Radical Act in the Shadow of ICE
CEO Cheryl Cook joined 1,000+ faith leaders from across the country in Minneapolis to protest ICE.
The Power of Partnerships
This past Monday, Avodah, Elluminate, PACT, and CYD gathered at Central Synagogue to celebrate the deep connections that sustain the Jewish social justice community in New York.
In loving memory of Sheila Lambert
We mourn the loss of our beloved friend, Board member, and long-time supporter Sheila Lambert, z’l.
On the Ground: Service Corps Member River on Escalating ICE Raids in New Orleans
Jewish Service Corps Member River supports immigration attorneys and helps organize community outreach efforts as ICE enforcement increases.
Get to know our 2025-2026 Justice Fellows
Our Justice Fellows—from different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives—build a community around shared values of tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Crisis in the Capital: Avodahniks in conversation on the Federal Takeover of D.C.
The federal takeover of Washington, D.C., has escalated the crisis for the city’s unhoused population. Avodah CEO Cheryl Cook spoke with two Avodahniks on the front lines of this fight.
Leaning In: A Conversation with Avodah Alum and JCUA Executive Director, Jessica Schaffer
Jessica reflects on the power of building relationships, the importance of coalition work, and why, in difficult moments, we must continue to lean in. Continue reading
Building a Jewish Community Where Everyone Can Thrive: Rachel Sumekh on Addressing Economic Vulnerability
Service Corps Alum Rachel Sumekh (Chicago 2013) on the imperative to weave a social safety net for all Americans, including the Jewish community. Continue reading
A Decade of Justice: A Conversation with Avodah CEO, Cheryl Cook
Reflections on 10 years of leadership of Avodah, and her vision for a more just and equitable future. Continue reading
Celebrating Community, Inspiring Action: The NYC Justice Fellowship
Avodah’s Jewish Justice Fellows in NYC share the impact of their Justice Learning Opportunity projects. Continue reading
Fighting for lunch: Avodah Corps Member Zev Lonner campaigns against funding cuts
Zev reflects on organizing a federal text advocacy campaign at his placement Food and Water Watch. Continue reading
From Service Corps to Board Chair: A Conversation with Ilana Zafran Walden, Avodah’s First Alum Board Chair
Outgoing Board Chair Ilana Zafran Walden reflects on her journey, leadership, and hopes for Avodah’s future. Continue reading
Chicago Justice Fellows celebrate learning and community
In Chicago, Avodah’s Jewish Justice Fellows celebrated the completion of their 8-month program with a culminating siyyum (graduation) celebrating their year of learning, growth and community. Continue reading
Avodah Jewish Service Corps Members Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Reflections on over two decades of partnership with Sanctuary for Families in New York City. Continue reading
Vital Service: In Response to Cuts to AmeriCorps
Avodah, the Jewish Service Corps, calls for more service, not less. Continue reading
Stories from the Field: Avodahniks Addressing Immigration, Housing & Poverty
Avodah alumni on how they pursue justice through their professions, and through uncertain times. Continue reading
How the Jewish community organizes through relationships in challenging times
Avodahniks participate in a panel on the power of relationships to addressing a the most pressing issues in the US.
We’re envisioning a better world this Passover
At Avodah, we are committed to providing the resources that allow Jewish leaders to stay in the sacred work of seeking justice for all.
Avodahnik Spotlight: Leora Sammett
Leora shares what brought her to the Service Corps, insights on her work supporting young immigrant women at The Brave House, and why radical hospitality is more important than ever.
Young adults are facing a mental health crisis. That’s where I come in.
Learn how our National Mental Health Advisor provides support for Corps Members as they devote a year to intensive direct service in cities across the United States.
Avodahnik Spotlight: Lanie Cohen
Lanie Cohen discusses the Justice Fellowship and their work at Keshet, the leading LGBTQ+ Jewish organization in the United States.
Showing up for our community partners in a time of uncertainty
Rippling from Avodah to our placements to Chicago’s larger community, a simple but powerful message: “You are not alone.”
L’Dor V’Dor, our plan for a hopeful future
Announcing L’Dor V’dor, our bold, new strategic plan to expand Avodah programming and deepen our impact for the next three years and beyond.
Post Election, Pre-Shabbat: A message from our CEO
We’re going to keep bringing the light, together.
Avodah Means Labor: Celebrating Avodahniks in the Labor Movement
Here are stories from just a few of the many Avodahniks organizing to build worker power and a more just United States.
“Profound insight on the intersection of Judaism and social justice”: Corps Members on a Transformative Year of Service
Outgoing Avodah Jewish Service Corps Members to reflect on the impact of their year of service.
The Many Perks of Being an Avodah Alum
There are so many benefits to doing Avodah, long after the program ends. Avodah alumni manager Lauren Fine breaks down the best hidden perks of serving in the Jewish Service Corps or participating in the Justice Fellowship.
“It was special and I’m really going to miss it”: Avodah Justice Fellows reflect on the power of community
We asked three of this year’s Justice Fellows what brought them to the program and what they will be taking with them.
Life after college can be isolating. I found my community through Avodah.
Learn how a Service Corps Member found their people and professional purpose through Avodah.
Avodah Transforms Apathy into Energy
Meet a Service Corps Member whose year at Avodah taught her how to strategize for long-term success.
What steps can Jewish camps take to advance social justice?
Learn how Jewish camp leaders delved into the foundations of social justice in Jewish thought and anti-Black racism.