"It is not your responsibility to finish the work [of perfecting the world], but you are not free to desist from it either." Pirke Avot, (2:16)

Before the Peace Corps, before Habitat for Humanity, before High School Community Service Credit, there was AJSS. For 60 summers we have gone where help was needed. And we expect to continue our commitment to make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve well into the future.

For 60 summers high school students interested in giving of themselves for six weeks have helped to make small corners of the United States better places to live.

In the first decade of AJSS’s existence we worked with a group of WWII veterans in Indianapolis, IN, to help them construct their first homes after returning from their service to America. Throughout the 1950s we repaired a flood-damaged school, build classrooms, laid a septic tank and provided a range of services for children and families in need, often working with faith-based organizations and others committed to improving inter-faith and interracial relations.

And we have not stopped since. In this first decade of the 21^st century we built and renovated dozens of houses, planted community gardens, repaired trails, refurbished public parks and schools, prepared meals and stocked cans at dozens of food pantries and warehouses and delivered food and supplies after Hurricane Dolly swept through southeast Texas.

AJSS teams up with local agencies including Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, food banks, Native American communities, migrant farmers and families who are coping after natural disasters including Hurricanes Rita and Dolly. We not only give our volunteers exposure to the many challenges that our fellow citizens face every day but also lend a hand where it is needed. We do real work.

Read on to learn about our Summer of Service program that gives high school students the chance to put their Jewish values into action and serve those in need.