Spreading the Voluncheer

Published on December 1, 2011 by Matt

Oldies stations have already entered their 24/7 Christmas mode, and you’ve already watched the South Park or SNL Jew-on-Christmas videos more times than you care do admit. (At least, I have.) You may be thinking ahead to which of the Taam Chinas you’ll patronize on the 24th. (Or… not.) Maybe you celebrate “Erev Christmas” with your partner or parent but have no traditions during the Day. In all of these cases—might I suggest ReachOut’s Day of Voluncheer?

We young adults are a transient bunch, so it’s possible you haven’t heard of Project Ezra. Organized by the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts, Project Ezra is the framework for synagogues to volunteer in their local communities on Christmas. Recently, however, it stopped operating as an umbrella and now synagogues participate on an individual basis, leaving the unaffiliated among us without a real opportunity to create camaraderie out of community service. My own experience of participating in a similar program growing up in LA is one that’ll stay with me, which is why I’m so excited about spreadin’ the voluncheer with ReachOut!

We’ve put together some really exciting options (learn more about them on the registration page and because the night of the 25th is also the night of the 29th—of Kislev, aka the sixth night of Chanukah—we’re also having a party! (Maybe with scallion pancakes! TBD!) If you’re unable to volunteer during the day, our Chanukah celebration is still open to you—don’t go without seeing your ReachOut! family for the holidays. Obligatory Chrismukkah reference! 

Matt Brown has volunteered with ReachOut! each cycle and is the Young Adult Social Justice graduate intern for JCRC. A student at Brandeis’ Hornstein-Heller Program and a board member of Banditos Misteriosos, he can be found building community across the greater-Boston area through random-fun activities. Ever since he baked homemade Oreos, Matt has felt like there’s nothing he can’t accomplish, except for homemade Hydrox.