JDC JEWISH SERVICE CORPS
SERVE A YEAR IN AN OVERSEAS JEWISH COMMUNITY

What We Are
The JDC Jewish Service Corps (JSC) is a unique one-year volunteer opportunity for active, enthusiastic, knowledgeable Jews to serve, and take part in the life of a Jewish community or location where JDC provides aid abroad.

What We Do
The job description of each JDC Jewish Service Corps Volunteer is a unique blend based on the resources and needs of the community and the talents and skills of the individual volunteer placed there. Often projects evolve as the year progresses and the volunteer realizes what s/he can best do to make an impact on the needs of the community.

In most placements the challenge will be to promote Jewish identity and help the community become more self-sufficient in its Jewish programming abilities. Tasks will include organizing and guiding others in organizing Jewish educational, cultural, social and religious programs.

In some placements the emphasis will be on social welfare services, such as a feeding program in Ethiopia, or activities for the elderly in Poland. Past accomplishments have included:

• India: Founding the community newspaper, Kol India
• Bulgaria: Developing a complete Jewish educational curriculum for Sunday schools in Sofia
• Morocco: Establishing recreational and social activities for the elderly
• Former Soviet Union: Launching a Jewish family camp in Russia
• Romania: Establishing the first Jewish Pedagogical Center in Romania
• Poland: Helping small, outlying communities establish Jewish holiday cycle celebrations
• Ethiopia: Creating a youth drama group for health education for a mostly illiterate society
• Turkey: Opening up social channels between the Jewish young adults of Istanbul and the small community of Izmir
• Sri Lanka: Providing technical assistance in rebuilding of playgrounds and schools following devastating Tsunami

Please click on the links below to read about Jewish Service Corps Volunteers' experiences:

• In Ethiopia, "Harry Potter" Contest Creates Euphoria
• Indian Day Camp Connects Jewish Youngsters with Ancient Heroes
• Sports Program "Kicks Off" at YESOD Jewish Community Home
• Tu B'Av: The Holiday of "Love" is Celebrated in Mumbai
  
• Listen to Jordan, the 2005-2006 Roslyn Z. Wolf Cleveland-JDC International Fellow talk about her experience as a JSC volunteer
• Drawing Strength from Our Roots Deep Below the Polish Frost: A Tu B’Shevat Celebration in the Warsaw Jewish Community
  
• Reflections on Rosh Hashana Thousands of Miles from Home for Roslyn Z. Wolf Fellow
  
• Turkish Women Become Empowered by Jewish Education
  
• Volunteering for the JDC Helped Me Prioritize My Life and Achieve Something Special
  
• The Black Sea Gesher Student Seminar – A "Jewish Woodstock"
  
• Jewish Life in Poland is No Myth
  
• A "Warm Home" Celebration for Rosh Hashana
  
• A "New Year Connection" Brings Together the Jewish Communities of India

What Is Required
Volunteers should have a strong Jewish background and a passion for transmitting it, as well as experience in formal/informal teaching or social welfare. Knowledge of Hebrew is valuable in many placements.

We look for mature self-starters who are adventurous, self-confident and energetic, but gentle change agents, open-minded individuals looking for personal challenges and growth. Enthusiasm, flexibility and creativity, cultural sensitivity and fortitude for the challenge of living in a foreign country are all essential qualities.

In some of our openings, the following can enhance placement: experience teaching ESL; facility with the Russian language; pre-med college major/career in medicine; work experience with the elderly; degree in Jewish education or related field.

What Is Provided
JDC provides round-trip travel expenses, housing, health insurance coverage, a monthly stipend for basic living expenses, and a small end-of-the year bonus.

Volunteers participate in an orientation program in New York City and a mid-year seminar overseas. They are supervised by a JDC country director who is usually headquartered in Europe or Israel.

What Placements Are Available

For 2007-08 we have volunteers placed in:

• AUSTRIA
• BELARUS
• ETHIOPIA
• GEORGIA
• INDIA
• MOLDOVA
• TURKEY
• UKRAINE

No positions are available in Israel or Latin America.

Volunteers for 2008-09 will be needed in the countries listed above as well as possible additional placements.

Application Process
Applications are accepted throughout the year and placements may be made at any time. However, most candidates are screened November - March and a group orientation for new volunteers is conducted in early June. Most placements begin in the summer, and run for one full calendar year.

We recommend submitting applications as soon as possible, preferably by the end of February. Please note that all applications are screened upon receipt and earlier candidates who make a good match for a specific community may be accepted even earlier.

For More Information:
Email: volunteer@jdc.org

Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions about JDC Jewish Service Corps.

To Apply To Become A JDC Jewish Service Corps Volunteer:
Please download the Microsoft Word application (169KB) and recommendation form (87 KB), and complete as instructed. We prefer that you mail us all of your materials together.

JDC Jewish Service Corps volunteers have helped galvanize Jewish communities around the world, enriching the lives of thousands of Jews. Not surprisingly, their lives and careers have been equally changed and enriched by their year of service.

We are looking forward to discussing with you whether this is an appropriate opportunity for you!