SOCIAL ACTION SPEECH

As far back as I can remember I have been interested in helping others. This interest stems from being disabled and having to need a lot of help. It has made me realize how fortunate I am, because I know many people do not have access to the resources that I have, and I would like to help them as much possible. My family is also immersed in Tikkun Olam, and have taught me that Tikkun Olam is the most important aspect involved being Jewish.

I have been involved in various service groups and have developed skills that would make me an excellent Social Action Chair. These attributes include my ability to organize and lead meetings, work within a group, communicate effectively, and most importantly, my outstanding ability to brainstorm and develop new ideas.

I have also come to appreciate the concept of informal education and wish to incorporate it more into Towson Hillel. One example of how informal education has impacted my life is through volunteering at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital. The patients also have disabilities, and I have come to realize how much of a role model I am for these kids. From working with them I learned that a gesture that may seem small and insignificant to me (like simply being me) may leave a lasting impression on someone.

My wish for all of you is that you may also experience what this feels like. While college life is hectic, it is important to remember that Tikkun Olam is accomplished by one small mitzvot after another. My goal for Hillel is to offer many opportunities to perform gemilut chesed that are accessible to students, by organizing both on and off campus service activities. Some ideas are making drediels for children in the hospital, Rosh Hashanah cards for nursing home residents, having a PB JAM for a soup kitchen, or cleaning a park. I would also like to work with other campus service groups and Hillels. I could go on with even more, but then no one else would have a chance to speak.

I hope that I have shown you how passionate I am about helping others. By electing me as Social Action Chair for the 2006-2007 school year my enthusiasm for gemilut chesed will become contagious and infect our community. Towson Hillel will become a substantial presence on campus and our students will be admired for the great work that we do. After all, isn’t that what Judaism is all about?