Robbie Katz & Jessie Zinn
SJC is the acronym for ‘Students for Jewish Care’, a new committee formed by two members of the Student Council, Robbie Katz and JessieZinn.
The aim of the committee is to encourage learners to be involved in aspects of Jewish Community life. Currently there is one project being implemented, 10-12 learners set off every Thursday at 2ndbreak to Highlands House for forty five minutes. The purpose is to sit and converse with residents and chat to them about whatever they like. The students bring with them ‘Shabbat Packs’ (muffin, juice, biscuits and a card for Shabbat) to distribute.
The Herzlia Ambassadors have a meeting on a Thursday at first break to organise the visit for that week. The conversation with residents lasts about 10-15 minutes and they talk about what they have experienced on a daily basis and snippets from their lives. The topic often turns to their grandchildren, and usually they have some connection with Herzlia children. Jessie highlighted the fact that often their grandchildren are in other countries so it really serves the purpose of intervening in their isolation and loneliness. It is also great for learners who have grandparents elsewhere. The residents also talk about what their accomplishments have been during their lives. Generally the conversation is about everyday matters.
At present 15 learners are committed to SJC and the students themselves fund the packs that they make. On Chagim the students also make Chagim packs E.G. Purim, they made biscuits and added some goodies.
Depending on school schedules and exams of course, this programme runs effectively and routinely.
The students have a list of names according to the ‘floors’ at Highland House. The students are going via the floor system in terms of reaching all residents, as Herzlia students do not want to miss out on anyone.
When interviewed Robbie and Jessie expressed that they really enjoy their visits and that their intention is to spread out to the other welfare organisations as well. There is the intention of extending the visits to Sundays which gives more time to the project and this attracts students as it contributes to their community service hours for grades 10 and12.
If any readers are interested in contributing towards these ‘packs’ that would be greatly appreciated as currently students are spending (all together) about R200.00 a week from their own pockets.
We are all excited and in agreement that the SJC Committee will attend this year’s AGM in September and do a presentation on the SJC’s work throughout the year. Well done Herzlia students, we appreciate your work!
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