Kavanah: Intentionality in AVODAHcycle

My AVODAH year thus far has given me an eye-opening view into the world of direct social service and social change and I’ve decided to add kavanah, a little intention, direction and purpose to this trip, to make it far more than just a summer travel excursion. This is important to me in that I will be able to tell my story of intentional, pluralistic Jewish communal living, where we encourage and support each other through the emotional journeys at our organizations and discovering who we are as Jewish individuals. It will also spread the idea to a broad group of Jews and non-Jews alike, of the importance of social service and the many lengths that can be reached to promote these values (like 3,100 miles!).

I want to add kavanah to every single mile of this trip. Intentionality from living communally, sharing one space, Jewish experiences and our passion for social justice. Intentionality at our jobs from recognizing the work we contribute to is really a miniscule part of the larger, broader network of social services that work to increase the vivacity of everyday humans.

Each mile feeds one more mouth, each mile helps one more immigrant gain asylum status, each mile allows another low-income child to participate in an after school writing club, each mile issues another HIV test, each mile saves someones’ SSI.

Each mile sponsors another speaker from the DC community to come and educate AVODAH corps members about local issues affecting our community. Each mile pays for a community Shabbat where reflect on the week and the work we have been doing, gaining an understanding of how our work all relates to one anothers’ and how we can bring intentionality back into our placements.

Each mile progresses towards a more just society.