Last month, Corps Members across the country gathered to celebrate the closing of the 2023-2024 year of service.
Over the past 10 months, Avodah Jewish Service Corps members engaged in a transformative programming that centered community building, Jewish learning, and service to local organizations addressing the most pressing issues in the US.
As we welcome the Service Corps class of 2023-2024 into the Avodah alumni network, we asked these outgoing Corps Members to reflect on the impact of their year of service.
Here’s what they said:
“The year gave me an opportunity to learn with others as I transitioned out of college into the real world” – Sophie, DC Corps Member
“My Avodah year has really served me. My confidence has grown tremendously, and I feel equipped to take my next step into the job world and fully independent living.” – Sarah, Chicago Corps Member
“Avodah has been an incredibly meaningful opportunity to build lasting community in a new city and to gain profound insight on the intersection of Judaism and social justice.” – Rachel, Chicago Corps Member
“This year has been a great opportunity to negotiate a crossroads between different ways to live Jewishly as an adult, transitioning from school to the workplace, and becoming more responsible for my personal life. Avodah has given me opportunities to expand the possibilities and better understand the benefits of each of these.” – Ben, Chicago Corps Member
“Avodah has been a supportive landing pad for me post-college. I’ve grown in my flexibility, vulnerability, and curiosity through communal living and programmatic learning. The Avodah community has held me and helped me grow this year.” – Sarah, Chicago Corps Member
“Avodah was the perfect stepping stone between college and life in a new city. I built relationships that were nurturing and sacred.” – Aliyah, NYC Corps Member
“This year has been wonderful. I’ve made lifelong friends and learned lessons about myself and the world that have changed me permanently.”– Isaiah, Chicago Corps Member
“I came to this city knowing nobody and desperate for some kind of structure or certainty after college. Now I’m staying with a job, the beginnings of a community, and the confidence I need to make the most of both.” – Emily, DC Corps Member
