the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) offers both hands-on volunteer opportunities as well as learning about systemic inequality in our communities. At the core of our work is Judaism’s sacred mandate to create justice and repair the world.
Our volunteer opportunities are designed to be family-friendly, flexible, and accessible whether you can commit one hour a month or a few hours a week. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to build lasting relationships with agencies and clients over the span of years, or volunteer once and try a different project the next time. Come by yourself, with a friend, or bring a group of colleagues!
In order to affect true change, we must also correct the systemic injustices prevalent in many sectors of our society, so come learn with us about the root causes of inequality and how to bring about change on a systemic level. We focus on topics including racial equity, affordable housing, food security, climate change, immigration and refugees, and many other topics.
While we are neither a social service agency nor an advocacy organization, we hope to empower you and provide you with the tools to go out and make our city a more just, inclusive, and livable place for all.
Resources, projects, and learning to keep social responsibility a part of your routine while staying at home
To respond to the immediate needs of our social service partners, we’ve developed several different opportunities for you and our community to address their direct requests. If you’re looking to help others from home and learn more about systemic social justice issues facing our neighbors, we hope you’ll find these resources useful. Live, virtual events are listed below as well.
At-home mitzvot (good deeds):
Welcome messages for newly arrived refugees
Toiletry kits for those experiencing homelessness
Food packages for Charlie’s Place
Face coverings for Catholic Charities
Trail mix for So Others Might Eat
In-person volunteering (all safety precautions strictly followed):
So What Else Inc.
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Martha’s Table
Donate blood at Children’s National Hospital
Donate blood at Inova Blood Services (NoVa)
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events
Back by request from Community of Hope!
What: Finishing kindergarten, fifth grade, middle school, and especially high school are major moments in a young person’s life. Help us celebrate Community of Hope’s students who are reaching these milestones in 2021. Make cards that will go to families living in Community of Hope’s Permanent Supportive Housing program so we can honor and celebrate young graduates who have persevered through such a tough year. Cards should be colorful, creative, and filled with positive messages.
Please register to receive exact instructions, including a mailing address and sample language you can use.
We request you make a minimum of 4 cards (more is great!)
When: Cards must be dropped off or mailed to arrive at Community of Hope no later than Friday, June 4, 2021
Registration: This activity is free but we request pre-registering so Community of Hope knows how many cards they will be receiving. When registering, please select the number of cards you want to make (or purchase).
Thank you in advance for helping us celebrate these wonderful graduates!
Join us for an interactive, community building experience where you meet like-minded young professionals and give back to our community.
During the month of May, EntryPointDC and the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility are bringing together our young adult community in small groups to volunteer and learn together. Participants will have the opportunity to not only make an impact on our community through different volunteer projects but create relationships with others who want to give back and help others. Groups will be formed based on age, location, and interests so you can continue to hang with your new crew into the summer.
The program consists of three meetings, but we encourage you to volunteer together past this experience and will provide ideas on how you can do that. Additional details will be sent once you register.
Sunday, May 2, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Trash Pick-Up Scavenger Hunt at Rock Creek Park (In-person)
Come together to compete for prizes in our trash pick-up scavenger hunt! We will be giving away two $25 gift certificates to eco-friendly businesses you know and love to the participants who find the most trash. All individuals must be masked and follow social distancing guidelines at all times while outdoors.
Wednesday, May 12, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Food Insecurity in the DMV (Virtual)
Hear from MAZON, a Jewish organization that is fighting to end hunger across the United States. The evening will include an interactive activity and time for discussion. Join us virtually or hang at a local park with your group and an tablet/laptop.
Sunday, May 23, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Food prep project benefitting clients at SOME in the EDCJCC Parking Lot (In-person)
We will start with a fun ice breaker, learn about the organization So Others May Eat (SOME) and work on different food prep projects.
Registration: We request a $10 fully tax-deductible registration fee to help us cover the costs of program supplies and show your commitment to your team! REGISTER BY THURSDAY, APRIL 28
Each individual participant needs to fill out a registration form; you may request to be placed with a friend(s) or significant other when filling out your registration form.
EntryPointDC is the Edlavitch DCJCC’s program for 20s and 30s. The Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility provides volunteer and social justice learning opportunities to the community.
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
Join fellow knitters and crocheters over Zoom to make handmade goodies for a great cause! Our goal is to contribute as many warm winter items as possible to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in the DC area.
All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!
Please email Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com to register and receive the link to this event.
What should I have with me at home?
Please have your own needles/crochet hooks. If you are not already working on a warm winter item and are looking for a great project or just starting out, please have:
- #8 or #10 knitting needles (circular or straight) or a size H crochet hook
- Patterns you’re working on or want to start
What do you supply?
We provide lots of beautiful yarn, several patterns including hat patterns using #17 needles or a size N crochet hook, and experienced knitters and crocheters to teach anyone who would like to learn how to knit or crochet.
If you can’t join us over Zoom, join us in spirit by knitting or crocheting:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves and Mittens
- Socks or slippers
- Other items to keep people warm during the cold winter months
Please hold onto finished items at this time. If you do not have the space to store finished items, please contact Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org to make arrangements for a pick-up. Thank you!
Want to know more or join our virtual community? Like us on Facebook!
If you have any questions about this event contact Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
WHAT: Join the Edlavitch DCJCC for an exciting new partnership with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and Urban Beet to bring fresh herbs and vegetables to youth at the LAYC Drop-in Center throughout the summer. Urban Beet has put in a brand-new urban garden at the LAYC Drop-in Center and we need volunteers to help maintain it on a weekly basis.
You don’t have to have any gardening experience – just the desire to get your hands in the dirt and help grow some plants! Come down at the end of a long day to relax, unwind, and get closer to Mother Nature. Children of all ages are welcome but must be supervised closely by an adult.
WHEN: We are looking for volunteers on a weekly basis so you can sign up to volunteer once or as many times in a month/over the summer as you would like. We plan to volunteer through the month of October.
Volunteer days will occur every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM starting with Wednesday, May 5. After you register, you will receive a google spreadsheet to choose which Wednesdays throughout the month/over the summer you would like to come garden with us.
WHERE: The LAYC Drop-in Center is located in Columbia Heights. The exact address will be provided upon registration.
Questions? Email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.