New Opportunities:

Monthly Phone Trainings for Activists!
Join AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps for a monthly phone training to strengthen and broaden your activist skills! THE CALLS ARE FREE within the U.S. and Canada!!! Each Month, AVODAH hosts a different community activist/community leader to lead the conference call. The format of the call includes a presentation by the call leader, and time at the end for questions and answers.  Past call leaders have included Eli Pariser from MoveOn.org and Josh Sidenfeld from The SPIN Project. This month we are excited to host Rabbi David Saperstein, the Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism**.
Conference call topic: Rabbi Saperstein will speak on the importance of electoral politics and legislation for social change. Specifically, he will brief people on recent developments in the composition of the US Congress and how that is likely to affect strategies for legislative change, and he will offer some suggestions for how individuals and organizations can influence the legislative process
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Time: 7:00pm EST
YOU MUST REGISTER TO JOIN THIS CALL. IT TAKES LESS THAN 30 SECONDS!
To register, click on http://avodah.net/signup.htm. You will receive instructions for joining the call and information on how we will structure the Q and A section of the training. Spaces are limited to 60 people per call. If you have questions, or experience any difficulty registering on line, call Stosh at 212-545-7759 ext.15.
** For more information about the Religious Action Center and Rabbi David Saperstein, visit http://rac.org/aboutrac/.
Rabbi David Saperstein is the Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Described in a Washington Post profile as the "quintessential religious lobbyist on Capitol Hill," he represents the national Reform Jewish Movement to Congress and the administration. During his 30 year tenure as Director of the Center, Rabbi Saperstein has headed several national religious coalitions. He currently co-chairs the Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty, comprised of over 60 national religious denominations and educational organizations, and serves on the boards of numerous national organizations including the NAACP and People For the American Way. In 1999, Rabbi Saperstein was elected as the first Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom created by a unanimous vote of Congress.
 
CampusJ Journalism Program
CampusJ is the new project that will bring compelling content to Jewish  university students, with comprehensive coverage of the goings-on in their communities on campus. Starting last week with four Manhattan campuses, the project aims to train a young generation of Jewish journalists in the reporting styles and methods of new media, while giving them the training and opportunities to enter the journalism workforce better-equipped than many of their fellow-classmen. In an on-going recruiting process, CampusJ will be adding campuses and bloggers continually after the launch.The site features a main blog covering Jewish campus news, and a series of sub-blogs focusing on individual campuses.  In the coming weeks and months, the site will add classified advertising and other dynamic features.Jewish campus news has often been at the forefront of community concern in recent years, whether over Israel advocacy and discrimination, or to trends among Jewish youth. CampusJ promises to be the definitive source for all such information.To take a peek at what we're doing, visit www.CampusJ.com.  If you know of someone who would be interested in applying to CampusJ, have them send a resume and writing samples to this address.



OPPORTUNITIES/PROGRAMS WITH UPCOMING DEADLINES
 
The Spitzer Forum is a three-day conference for Jewish students interested in social justice work through political activism and grassroots organizing. Issues explored may include education, literacy, environment, health, poverty and more.  February 27-March 1 in Washington, DC. Students from around the world will: participate in skill building workshops; meet with experts on social justice issues; learn how the Jewish community is responding to these issues; network with other campus activists.  We live in a time of great change. Our communities and campuses, our nation and the world are being transformed at unprecedented speed. We can affect this change. We can direct social and political movement by knowing how to influence public policy. Informed and articulate activists can change the course of history. You are invited to make a difference.  Registration is at www.hillel.org
 
The 2005 KOACH Kallah is almost here! Join us for Conservative Judaism at the Crossroads, with Rabbi Joel Roth and Rabbi Neil Gillman. This year's Kallah will take place at the University of Toronto on Feb. 24-27. Registration is just $185 and there is some scholarship money available. Applications are online at www.koach.org.
 
Chicago-Area Residents: Academic Scholarships Available:  Approximately $500,000 in scholarship funds will be available from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago for Jewish college and post-graduate students in need of financial assistance for the 2005-2006 academic year. Jewish Vocational Service administers the scholarship program and personally interviews all applicants before May 1. To apply, go to www.jvschicago.org and click on Scholarship Services. For additional information or questions, call the JVS scholarship secretary at 312-673-3457 or e-mail jvsscholarship@jvschicago.org. The application deadline is March 1, 2005.
 
Apply Now to Join AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps  AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps is a one-year program combining work for social change, Jewish learning and community building in New York and Washington, DC! There is no cost for AVODAH. All participants receive health insurance as well as a living stipend to pay for food, rent and other expenses. Student loan deferrals are available. All participants receive a $1,000 exit stipend, and most qualify for an AmeriCorps Education Award voucher of up to $4,725 for continued education or repayment of student loans. For more information about AVODAH, or to download an application, please visit the Web site at www.avodah.net, e-mail info@avodah.net or call 212-545-7759. Applications are due March 1, 2005.
 
JCSC Applications Online!  Applications are now being accepted for Hillel's Steinhardt Jewish Campus Service Corps for the 2005-2006 academic year! The JCSC fellowship is a paid, one-year fellowship that enables recent college graduates to work on campuses across North America, helping students explore and celebrate their Jewishness in creative and meaningful ways.  Extensive Jewish education is not necessary - just the desire to make a difference in the lives of students. Hillel's new application is now online at www.jcsc.hillel.org. Applications are due March 4, 2005. Questions about the JCSC fellowship may be directed to Jen Schlosberg, JCSC program associate, at jschlosberg@hillel.org or Jeremy Block at fellow@muhillel.org.



ON CAMPUS

Student Court Seeks New Justices: The Student Court is a group of approximately 17 students who regularly hear cases referred to it by the Office of Judicial Affairs. These cases mostly involve students who have been accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct in one manner or another and who feel that they are not responsible for the alleged violation. The Student Court hears testimony, witnesses, and examines evidence, henceforth rendering a decision and possibly sanctioning the student (assigning consequential impositions). It is imperative that the Court be comprised of students of considerable diversity. Students can make a very large impact on the lives of other Miami students in this role as Student Justice, and we are currently in search of qualified members for next year's Court. Applications are available in the Office of Judicial Affairs (229 Warfield Hall) and are due by February 22, 2005 at 5:00pm. Contact Ryan Wells, Chief Justice, Miami University Student Court at 330/603.2829



UPCOMING CONFERENCES

Travel to Chicago for Social Justice Conference: The Jewish  Council for Urban Affairs is sponsoring "Justice Shall Dwell There: Strengthening the Jewish Commitment to Justice in our Cities," a two-day national conference for Jewish social-justice activists in Chicago.  The conference will be held April 10-11 at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.  This conference will bring together activists and leaders from throughout the country for two days of sharing best practices, learning more about ways to do Jewish social-justice work, and planning for collaboration on issues of common concern. To register, go to www.jcua.org/nationalconference.

NUJLS Annual Conference April 1-3 in Chicago:  NUJLS, the National Union of Jewish Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Questioning Students, is holding its annual conference on issues relating to Jewish LGBTIQQ communities around the globe at the University of Chicago on April 1-3.  The conference is being hosted by the Johanna and Herman H. Newberger Hillel Center. Pre-registration is available online at www.nujls2005.org.  The conference planners welcome anyone (students, Jewish professionals, etc.) who wants to get involved by leading a workshop, hosting students, working on publicity or helping with logistics. Please contact Naomi Sobel at nsobel@uchicago.edu or 773-401-0903 to volunteer.

HUC-JIR 2005 College Colloquium: "1,2,3,4 Who Declared A God War?" Feb. 25-27 in Cincinnati:  At the turn of the new millennium, are we encountering a clash of civilizations? Recent world events have sparked tensions between religious and ethnic groups, and these tensions are noticeable on our college campuses.  The Torah commands us to "love our neighbor."  Together, we will explore the diversity of the college community and how to work with our neighbors to break down the barriers that are dividing us. Join us to study with HUC-JIR faculty and students; learn about Jewish responses to modern-day political issues; participate in an interfaith dialogue; discuss ways to make the voices of Jewish college students heard on campus; celebrate Shabbat; visit Cincinnati, the birthplace of American Reform Judaism, and the historic campus of the College-Institute; tour the American Jewish Archives, Dalscheimer Rare Book Room and the Skirball Museum; and experience the Historic Plum Street Temple. There is a $70.00 non-refundable registration fee for the College Colloquium, which covers all food, room and board and program fees. Each participant is responsible for his or her own transportation. For more information, go to http://www.hucyouthprograms.org or contact us at youthprograms@huc.edu or 513-487-3232.



CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS OF INTEREST

Jewish Literature Series at Symmes Township Branch Library. A Mind of Her Own: Fathers and Daughters in a Changing World. Thursday, January 20: Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem; Thursday, February 17: Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska; Thursday, March 17: 1185 Park Avenue: A Memoir by Anne Roiphe; Thursday, April 21: American Pastoral by Phillip Roth; Thursday, May 19: Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. All programs begin at 7:00 p.m. Space is limited, please register in advance. This series is a collaborative partnership of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Yavneh Day School and the American Jewish Archives. 11850 East Enyart Road, 513-369-6001, www.CincinnatiLibrary.org



SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Social Action Internship in Washington, DC: Machon Kaplan is a six-week work/study internship program for college
students based out of the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC. Through our unique program you will be part of a special community, experience real world social justice policy work, and learn about Judaism and social justice. The program provides housing, some meals and credits for two college classes. The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion provides transcripts for credit for your courses. This program is cosponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism Kesher College Department and runs from June 19 to July 31. For more information, go to http://rac.org/confprog/machon/.

Two Summer Internships Available with JCYS in Chicago: The Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS), located in downtown Chicago, is seeking two student interns for the summer.  The development and communications intern will research agency records to find past program and board alumni; take oral histories of program and board alumni; and assist with events and grant research as needed.  To apply, please fax or e-mail a cover letter and resume to Kara Bomzer, development associate, at 312-726-8923 (fax) or kbomzer@jcys.org. The intern for the Chicago Long-Term Planning Committee will research demographics of Chicago neighborhoods; conduct competitive analysis; and conduct focus groups.  The final project will be a report of findings directly to Board of Directors. To apply, please fax or e-mail a cover letter and resume to Marty Oliff, executive director, at 312-726-8923 (fax) or moliff@jcys.org.

UJC Seeks Summer Interns for Washington Office: United Jewish Communities, which represents and serves 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America, is looking for summer interns to work on national public policy issues, especially involving human services and the non-profit sector.  They will learn innovative approaches to stimulate community interest by organizing and informing local grassroots networks of Jewish federations; attending congressional hearings; participating in advocacy/leadership building days called "missions"; assisting in developing and analyzing community surveys; and researching and writing on issues such as senior transportation, aging and family care-giving.  Interns will have the opportunity to participate in any and all projects in which the UJC Washington office is involved.  Graduate and undergraduate summer internships run from the end of May through the end of August, and there is a stipend available.  Please forward resumes and questions to Rachel A. Charlip, Washington missions manager, at 202-785-4937 (fax) or Rachel.Charlip@ujc.org.

Get CLIP'd!: Hillel's New York Collegiate Leadership Internship Program (CLIP) is looking for New York area students interested in paid summer internships. http://www.hillel.org/Hillel/NewHille.nsf/opportunities/clip.

Change Your Life This Summer: If you are 18-26 years old, Brandeis Collegiate Institute offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Jewish life and culture and explore your identity, regardless of background or affiliation. Guided by world-renowned scholars and artists, you'll engage in challenging discussion and study, express yourself through the arts and rediscover yourself as you hike and work 3,000 acres of land. Through the shared experience of living, working and resting in the serene hills of Southern California, you will have the opportunity to develop relationships that last a lifetime. Choose from two sessions: June 21-July 10 or July 12-July 31. Applications and more information are available at www.thebbi.org/bci or contact bci@thebbi.org or 805-582-4450.

Find Jewish Summer Camping Jobs with Free Web Service: Are you looking for a great summer job? Look no further than
www.jewishcampstaff.com. This free service offers users the chance to browse through Jewish camps to find the one that is right for them, or they can post their profiles on the site absolutely free. Most of registered prospective staff members receive multiple job offers from the participating Jewish camps. Log onto www.jewishcampstaff.com for the chance to spend a rewarding summer in a Jewish residential camp.

Intensive Hebrew Summer Ulpan at the University of Haifa:  Interested in learning Hebrew?  Want to spend time in Israel?  Come join the International Summer Ulpan at the University of Haifa! The ulpan brings together students from more than 30 countries to study Hebrew in one of the most effective language learning programs. This program is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in an intensive language acquisition experience that is extremely enriching as well as academically demanding. Instruction is offered on all levels, from beginners with no knowledge of the language to advanced classes.  The first session will take place July 7-Aug. 3, and second session will take place Aug. 7-31.  For more information, including academic credit, costs and potential scholarship opportunities, and about the semester and year-long programs, check out the Web site at www.uhaifa.org or e-mail info@mail.uhaifa.org.

Study at the Conservative Yeshiva This Summer:  Join the Conservative Yeshiva 2005 Summer Program and study classic texts of Judaism, including Talmud, Tanach, halacha, tefillah and philosophy.  Program includes intensive morning Hebrew ulpan and afternoon text study.  The advanced track includes Talmud each morning and afternoon shiurim in halacha.   Session I: July 3-July 21; Session II: July 24-Aug. 11. All ages and backgrounds welcome.  The Conservative Yeshiva is a program of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.  For information and an application, contact Yeshiva@uscj.org or http://uscj.org/israelcenter/yeshiva/educational_program/summer.shtml.



JOB, CAREER, AND GRADUATED SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES