Alternative Spring Break New Orleans 2014

New Orleans: A True Celebration of Community and Culture
By: Laura Williams

My Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans, Louisiana was an experience I will never forget. From the road trip there to the road trip back we had a packed week of service, learning, fun, and friends. Our first day there was Mardi Gras and we got to experience first hand this awesome celebration in the heart of it all. The city was alive and full of families, parades, awesome floats, and of course beads! It was an event I will never forget. 

The next day we started our service. The group went together to a local synagogue to help set up for the Limmud Fest, a discussion based learning conference that brings new perspectives and ideas to Jewish learning and the Jewish community of New Orleans. It was cool to explore their beautiful synagogue and connect to Jews from other parts of the nation, one even went to Tamarack Camps here in Michigan! We also have the opportunity to work with UNITY of Greater New Orleans, this organization supports community member deemed chronically homeless and places them into permanent housing. Our service included organizing boxes of supplies that would be given to participants in the permanent housing program. These packages help them begin the process of creating a space into a home and ensures a higher level of success in maintaining housing. We also handed out fliers to the community surrounding the organization asking for donations, it was a fun and meaningful organization to work with. 

My favorite of the organizations we worked with was Project Green Light. We went around the community and replaced old light bulbs with CFLs to help both the resident and the environment. This project was my favorite because we were really able to spend time with the people of New Orleans, hear their stories, and make real connections, all while helping the environment! In the evenings we would have great discussions where we Asked Big Questions. I learned a lot about New Orleans and the people that live there. I learned about the struggles they went through and how there was a lot more to the story than most of the nation believes. We talked about their community, our own community, and what the most appropriate ways we can lend a hand to others. The service was meaningful, the discussions were meaningful, and the time spent with old and new friends was truly unforgettable.

A special thanks to Repair the World for supporting our week of service.

North Carolina ASB

This spring break, I went with a group of 15 other Michigan state university students to Bayboro, North Carolina to clean up after hurricane Irene. In the fall, I became one the alternative spring break chairs at Michigan State Hillel house meaning I would help plan a charitable spring break trip for Jewish college students. The plans ended up completely different as they started; we expanded the trip, through Destination Detroit, to people of all races and religions at Michigan State, Grand Valley, Central, Kalamazoo, Eastern, Western and Albion. As the trip neared I was anxious of how it would go because of the unfamiliarity I had with the new group of trip goers; however, although different from my expectations, the trip turned out to be life changing. We arrived to a town in North Carolina, population one thousand, where there were more churches than businesses and every food was fried. It was completely different than any of us were used to and at first we were a little apprehensive, especially when they told us the daily schedule. We had to be up at 6:30, to the work site at 8 and after a long day of work we could return to the church at 5 for showers and dinner. I think we were all nervous about having to work that hard with the only reward being the satisfaction of helping other in need. However, after the first day I think all of our mindsets had changed. The people in town told us about the hurricane while we worked and I think we were shocked to realize how horribly random it would be if that happened in Detroit and how blessed we were to not have to face coastal increments. It felt good to make a difference for those who do not have the luxury of doing it themselves. Not only did the work bring us satisfaction but it also brought us together. It went from riding in a car with two African Americans and Asian Americans I did not know or feel any connection to, to singing Mulan, laughing about college life, and painting the walls with new friends. As the trip progressed, we grew closer and sometimes discussed the marginalization we sometimes all feel as Jews, blacks and Asians; I think we all realized we have more in common than we think. We all had a great time together and have plans to reunite at one boys house for homemade Korean food, all attend a Black Caucus meeting with one of the presidents of the organization on our trip, and to all sit down for Shabbat dinner at the Hillel house. I am glad to say I made a new group of diverse friends roofing a family’s house in Bayboro than partying on a beach in Florida. I am honored to have been a part of making this trip happen and will carry the lessons it has taught me throughout my life. Alternative Spring Break 2013 was not easy, but nothing life changing ever is.

Charlotte Master
Alternative Spring Break Chair

East Lansing to New Orleans with TEVA

I recently traveled back from an Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. We drove 17 hours down south in a car full of people I did not really know. I was equal parts nervous and excited, not knowing what to expect. Little did I know this was going to be an experience of a lifetime. As a dietetics major, I was ecstatic to work where our food comes from and integrate what I learned into my daily life. The first day of volunteering, we worked on an urban farm called Hollygrove Market. Not only did I enjoy the experience weeding, composting and gardening, but I learned so much to bring back and share. I learned about sustainability on a much deeper level and desired to practice what volunteering taught me. I plan to implement these concepts into my daily life. Not only did I learn about food at the garden, but the church we stayed at had wonderful chefs who prepared us gourmet meals using vegetables from Hollygrove Market. The chefs made us homemade Jambalaya the first night. I had never tasted anything like this! It was very awakening to see that they too were implementing composting and the use of fresh vegetables into their meals for everyone staying with us. The second day of work was a little more challenging. We volunteered at ARNO (Animal Rescue New Orleans). As an animal lover, I knew this was going to be difficult because I would want to adopt all the cute animals. At ARNO, they maintained a great environment for the animals, keeping them safe, healthy and clean. We sanitized the cages, food and water bowls and walked and played with the dogs. I saw how much work really goes into keeping the animals well nourished and happy. It was very sad to see how afraid of people some of the animals were. I’m used to seeing little kids run away from big dogs, but at ARNO it was the other way around. As we finished up there, we ran to the French Quarters of New Orleans and explored the city. This was my first time in NOLA and there was so much to see! From beignets, to magicians on the street, to live music everywhere, to the southern culture: the city was bumping! It was very cool to see all the love everyone had for this city. I too felt the love that night when we got to see the Grammy-winning band, Rebirth live. The brassy band lifted everyone’s spirits and helped us all connect to something important to New Orleans and ourselves- music. Music helped us introduce ourselves from the car ride on. We all learned a little from each other by our eclectic music libraries. Thanks to our friend Tony from the Magellan Community Garden, we also got to see George Clinton live at the House of Blues. This whole trip was an unbelievable experience with amazing people who were full of an undefined energy. We are all so fortunate to have been able to connect and relate so well to each other. This was my first spring break out of town in college and I look forward to experiencing new adventures for years to come. 

~Shayna Danto

You Must Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

How do I begin to summarize such an incredible week? When I got to LAX last Sunday, I had no idea what exactly was in store for the week. Our first day at Woodcrest Elementary School was nerve-wracking. I worked in a Lansing school last year and had that impression in my head as we walked through the courtyard of this school. The kids in Lansing had been disrespectful to me and other staff members, and also didn’t seem to care about learning in the classroom. After my first day at the school I could already see that these kids were surrounded by a positive support system of faculty and staff members along with their passion and positivity to learn new things. Our first day at the school, our group started a Civil Rights Mural in the middle of the blacktop area. I painted the words “You Must Be the Change You Wish to see in the World” – Gandhi.  A quote I had heard several times, but never really let the words sink in. As we painted, recess was going on and the kids all crowded around our work area asking us about what we were doing and giving us motivation to keep going! Their interest and encouragement continued all week long. The changes we made to this school to make it a better learning environment will have a lasting impact on this school. If these kids read the words of Gandhi and take it to heart, they have the possibility to do so much. As a camp counselor, I never really thought much about my campers being the ‘future generation’, the ones who will continue after us. Working with these kids, I began to realize how important it is to encourage education. All week long, we listened to various speakers and saw videos that informed us of the educational problems going on around the United States. Coming from the suburbs of Chicago, I knew of some of the problems in inner-city schools, but not to the extent of which I learned about. One our last day at the school, one of the staff members began to tear up thanking us for all the work we did.  Between that moment where I really saw that our work was going to make a difference and saying goodbye to all the students who I had interacted with over the few days, I felt thankful and fortunate to have a part in such an experience. That Gandhi quote will be important for this school and these kids as they continue on with their education, but it also important for our group and this program. A bunch of college students who decided to head to LA for a an Alternative Spring Break are walking away with much more than just good times, we are leaving seeing the impact of change.

~Jordyn Malkin 

Reflections On A Week of Service in Los Angeles

Alternative Spring Break to Los Angeles was a very meaningful, fun, and inspiring experience.   Coming from the West Bloomfield “bubble” in Southeast Michigan I have rarely seen the poverty and struggles that the students of Woodcrest Elementary go through each and everyday.  Looking back upon the beautification and gardening projects we completed for this school I feel that we as a group absolutely made an impact on these students and community.  As a Pre-med major this trip means little for my career path; however, that is not to say that it did not change me and effect me.  Social justice is an important issue that must be worked towards in any way possible, and I’m happy this trip gave me the opportunity to give back.  I hope the passion for community service and social justice that I now feel burns just as feverishly within me as it does with the other 53 participants.  This trip has changed my life and I’m grateful that I’ve had this experience. 

~Andy Sonenberg

New Friends

Over the past few days volunteering at the elementary school, I met a wonderful little girl, Jennifer. My after school group was assigned to help out with the kindergarten class. However, Jennifer was in second grade. She was in the classroom because she was helping out her grandmother, Miss. Cruz. The first day I decided to help her with her homework. After that we just clicked. For the next three days volunteering in the classroom we were side by side. Everyday we were so excited to see each other. We drew pictures for each other, I helped her with her homework, and she even helped me with my Spanish.  One of the drawings she drew for me said, BFF (Best Friends forever). I am so impressed with myself of how much I impacted her life. On the last day she was so upset that I was leaving. When we were saying our goodbyes, she fake cried, but then when her mom came to pick her up she burst out in tears. Her mom said, “¿Que pasó? (What happened?), “ and Jennifer responded with “She’s leaving.” Her grandmother came up to me on the last day and told me that the night before Jennifer was crying to her mother asking her if she could have my phone number. So I gave her my phone number and email address and I got her home address. Hopefully we can keep in touch because she made my week tens times better and I won’t forget the powerful impact I had on her and all of the other kids.  

~Fran Wanetick

Working Hard in L.A.

Scott, Emily and Jake carrying supplies to build a picnic table in the 5th grade zone!

First day at Woodcrest Elementary

A quick photo of the group before beginning work on our first project, painting a mural!!

Day One in L.A.

Day one we woke up jet legged, but ready to take on the day. It was bagels and cream cheese followed by a pep talk by the City Year staff. The City Year staff told us about how excited the kids would be to meet us, and everyone became even more eager for the upcoming days.
    We walked outside into the beautiful California weather, greeted by our friendly bus driver. We took the bus to a Jewish old folks home. We weren't sure what to expect out of the elderly, but had heard they loved visitors. We all broke up into our after school program groups and went to different sections of the home. Some of us went into rooms were we we're fortunate enough to meet some incredible people.
    My group met with two lovely ladies named Lee and Francis. Lee told us of her days on Broadway, after she made clear the importance of being informed of our government. Francis told us of we travels, originally from Paris, France. She wouldn't say much, but quietly told us she had been rescued from the Holocaust. Both women, extremely knowledgable and upbeat were genuinely interested in our lives, which was a mutual feeling on our parts. It was a pleasure talking to these women, and we were lucky I have came across their room.
    We finished off our time at the old folks home learning Yiddish, participating in an afternoon stretching activity, singing songs, and playing games. It was a great beginning to our week in L.A.
    The rest of our eventful day involved the group exploring Santa Monica and all it's wonders. We ate amazing food, shopped, and enjoyed the beach. There were many venders, guitar players, singers, and even a guy telling jokes for a dollar up and down the streets.
    The rest of our night involved hearing from a speaker named Jackie Goldberg and the movie Waiting For Superman. Jackie taught us the power we have as people and future teachers. We learned of we don't begin to speak up and vote our education systems in the future will be no longer. The entire evening wrapped up with a discussion of speaking out for the future teachers and students of America.
    Today was quite moving, and life changing at the same time.  I think I can speak for everyone and say how excited I am for the rest of the trip.

Peace, love, L.A

-Abby Soble

ASB Kentucky Appalachians

Spring break in Kentucky? Why are ten Jewish kids headed to Harlan Country Kentucky? This may sound like an unlikely place for university students to travel, on their spring break, but it was the one place where ten curious students were needed.



MSU Hillel’s Teva program decided to head down to Harlan County to understand the growing issue of mountain top removal. The name says it all. Coal companies take explosives to mountains in order to extract coal in the fastest and easiest way.  Like anything else, there is a price to pay when human beings are exploiting nature’s finest resources. Not only are mountains left bare, all the rich soil is unusable, forests are clear-cut and animals are left without their habitat. Even the vast rivers that flow throughout the Appalachian region are contaminated due to the metals that have now consumed the water.



As a student/leader on this trip I expected that the environmental degradation of mountain top removal site would be this extreme, however, I was completely speechless when I came to the area. The community and people have built their lives around the coal industry and now only 11% of the people are working within the field. I was shocked to hear that there are places in our country where the resources are not being protected. Coming from Michigan I have a strong familiarity with our will to protect the Great Lakes. Learning that dangerous mountain top sites are only a hike away from people’s homes left me with the feeling that not only are the resources exploited but the people as well. The air the people breathe is polluted. Their homes are left with a layer of coal filth and worst of all they are in a range were boulders could come crashing down upon their homes. This industry has always been seen as wicked, but now more then ever it seems to have pushed one step too far.



The ten of us from MSU Hillel worked with an advocacy group, Mountain Justice, to fight against coal mining in the area. During this weeklong trip we went to old coal sites and planted 50 trees apiece. We traveled to people’s homes so we could help them in preparation for cold weather. Harlan County is one of the poorest county’s in America and people do not have the means to work on their homes. During these projects we insulated, calked, painted, changed light bulbs and created connections with these people. Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, one step at a time.



Apart from the hands-on learning, we gained understanding of what the people of Harlan County are like. We listened and danced to mountain folk music. Tasted the cuisine of classic fried dishes, hiked in the Appalachian area and watched a number of videos to familiarize ourselves with the atmosphere we were in. Not to mention learned how to drive along the sides of mountains, as wildlife was quickly passing us!



As a representative from this trip, I can account to this life-changing experience. I realize that “life-changing” often gets thrown around but this trip sincerely gave each of us an adventure that we will never forget.


-Nina Patchak
Chair of Teva