Serve the Moment brings volunteer opportunities to KU Hillel

Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is a major tenet in Judaism. KU Hillel senior Sarah Glaser takes Tikkun olam to heart and has begun organizing weekly community service events for organizations in need in our community, as part of the Serve the Moment initiative. 

KU Hillel was chosen for this initiative, created by Hillel International and Repair the World, which focuses on giving college students volunteer opportunities in their own communities. This gives college students the ability to give back to the communities that have given them so much over the years.  

“Serve the Moment is happening at Hillels across the country, and we love being able to serve together with our global movement,” said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel Executive Director. “Tikkun olam is an integral part of KU Hillel’s mission.”

With these weekly events, KU Hillel is able to have more and more impact. Each service event brings together even more students from across a variety of backgrounds, majors and interests. 

For Sarah Glaser, the Serve the Moment internship felt like a perfect fit. 

“Community service has always been a really big part of my life,” Glaser said, “and I really connected to Judaism through tikkun olam and giving back.”

Ariel Cohn, KU Hillel junior, snaps a selfie with the cards she decorated.

The first event that Glaser planned with KU Hillel students was held in early March. Students received a variety of art supplies to get their creative juices flowing. Then, over Zoom, students gathered to each make homemade cards for the residents of Village Shalom, a retirement and assisted living facility in Overland Park. 

“Students really cared about the impact that the event was going to have because we know many of the residents haven’t been able to see their families during the pandemic,” Glaser said. “Looking back on the cards, people really put time and effort in and wanted to make it meaningful for those who are going to receive them.”

Some of the students had a strong passion for this event because they have personal connections to Village Shalom. 

“Village Shalom took care of my great-grandparents when they needed a loving place to call home,” said Ben Novorr, KU senior who joined the card-making. “Creating these cards with my Hillel friends was a way to honor their memories.” 

Glaser said that planning the event included finding organizations in need, gaining approval, and ensuring that this group can help safely during the pandemic. The following week, students gathered on Zoom to make reusable masks to donate to the Douglas County United Way. 

“We had some great conversations about our experiences with volunteering that is close to each of our hearts,” Glaser said. “It was lovely getting to spend this time together in the middle of a busy schoolweek.”

KU Hillel will continue to offer community service opportunities for students with the Serve the Moment initiative. Next week, students will create essential care packages for those experiencing homelessness in Lawrence, and they look forward to future weekly COVID-safe events.

Taylor Himelhoch, KU Hillel sophomore, and her cards.