Introducing myself and my journal: Community Development Supported by Significant Volunteering

About Me:
Tevel b’Tzedek, founded in 2007, has grown rapidly over the past six years and is now widely recognized as a pioneer organization in the field of Jewish service learning in the developing world. Rabbi Micha Odenheimer, the founding director of Tevel, was recently named one of the world’s 100 most influential Jews by the leading Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv, illustrating the resonance of the organization’s achievements in Israeli society.

Tevel is dedicated to creating a pathway for Israelis and Jews from communities worldwide to engage in the urgent issues of global poverty, marginalization and environmental devastation from a place of deep commitment to the Jewish people and its ethical and spiritual traditions. Tevel strives to bring Israel’s unique knowledge and experience in community work, agriculture, youth movements and public health to the places it is needed most, as well as to enrich the global discourse on social justice with the insights of the Jewish ethical tradition.

Tevel strives….

To Discover and disseminate the most effective and sustainable methods for ending poverty and environmental devastation, and for spreading knowledge and empowerment.

To Renew and strengthen the connection between Israel, the Jewish people and the marginalized and impoverished populations of the developing world.

To Build a community of Jewish and Israeli activist leaders who strive to improve reality in the developing world and in their home communities.

To Create a path for Jews to integrate universalism and Jewish identity inspired by the Jewish people’s spiritual and intellectual tradition, while enriching and enlivening the Jewish discourse on economic justice, poverty and the environment.

Learn more at www.tevelbtzedek.org

My Passions:
Integrated community development and empowerment

My Challenges:
Branding what we do

My Vision for the Future:
A world-wide movement of Jews working to improve the quality of life in the developing world

My Areas of Expertise:
Integrating short-term volunteers into long-term, quality development work