Tikkun Olam

BCHSJS brings our values of making a difference in the world to life for our students. Whether it’s collecting food for the needy or working on a holiday gift drive, we offer a variety of ways for students to give back and to fulfill community service obligations for their secular high schools. One notable program is our Jewish Volunteer Corp. This year-long service-learning class provides the opportunity to volunteer with a group of senior citizens. Approximately one-third of the class sessions take place (transportation provided) at the Daughters of Miriam/The Gallen Institute senior care facility in Clifton. There, students build relationships with residents and learn their life histories.

We encourage parents and their children to participate in the following activities during 2018/19 (schedule not yet confirmed):

  • Jewish Volunteer Corps – Participate in this year-long service learning class, and have the opportunity to be actively involved in volunteering with a group of seniors. Approximately one-third of the class sessions will take place (during class hours – transportation provided) at the Daughters of Miriam facility. Build relationships with a group of seniors and learn their Jewish histories. This class is for those who want to make a difference for the young at heart and build a bridge to the generations that came before us.
  • Super Sunday (March 1, 2020) – BCHSJS students can volunteer to participate in Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Super Sunday! Students receive training before making calls or help with filing and sorting. As a beneficiary agency of Federation, it is important that we show our support on this day! BCHSJS can volunteer to participate in Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Super Sunday
  • Yad Leah Pack for Israel – Sunday, February 2 after-school                                                             Students will take a trip to visit Yad Leah’s Volunteer Center to participate in a pack for Israel experience where they will help sort and pack the clothing to be sent to Israel.
  • BCHSJS Winter Trip to New Orleans (February 16-19, 2020) – This February, BCHSJS and NCSY will collaborate with Habitat for Humanity and Project Green Light to help out a community that is still continuing to recover. Volunteer your time over Presidents Week and be inspired!

Drives and Collections:

  • Tackle Kids Cancer Teen Supplies Drive – (September 15 – October 20) – Students are asked to bring in supplies for teens battling cancer to help them pass the time during treatments.
  • Chanukah Toy Drive (November 3 – December 8) – BCHSJS students will collect unwrapped, new toys. Toys will be distributed to children through the Bergen County Chanukah Toy Drive.
  • Clothing Drive for Israel (January 5 – February 2) – BCHSJS students will collect new and gently used clothing for Yad Leah, an organization that collects clothing to be sent to communities throughout Israel for families in need. Students will then take a trip to visit Yad Leah’s Volunteer Center on February 4 to participate in a pack for Israel experience where they will help sort and pack the clothing to be sent to Israel.
  • Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s March Mega Food Drive: March 1 – March 29   Students are asked to bring in food items for the March Mega Food Drive to benefit five northern New Jersey food pantries whose shelves are low in stock this time of year. Students and their families are also invited to a program at the Federation office in the afternoon of March 31 to help sort and pack the food.
  • Weekly Tzedakah Collection – Each week, tzedakah is collected for a special BCHSJS yearly project. Allocation decisions are made by the students