Company & Culture
August 04, 2021
8 minute read

Whether you are a student, working professional, or retiree, the time you give to others is time invested in yourself.

My name is Emily, I am a student intern at Maot Chitim. As someone who has experienced the immense benefits of volunteering, I am excited to tell you how giving your time, skills, and compassion for others may change your life. Throughout my life, I had participated in community service whether it was for high school graduation requirements or to appease my grandfather who is a model volunteer to this day. However, I did not begin my personal journey until my year in Israel.

That year, I was placed at a daycare center for refugee children in Tel Aviv. Committing to a cause that I care about strengthened my sense of purpose. It provided me the confidence to further incorporate this passion into my life as a student, friend, and Jew. I reflected on my volunteer experience when choosing my academic program, running for Tzedek Chair at Hillel, and interning for such an important organization as Maot Chitim.

Volunteering can boost a person’s self-esteem

Much like my experience, volunteering can boost a person’s self-esteem by providing them purpose and confidence. Volunteer positions are an incredible way to gain skills that can be applied to all aspects of life such as collaboration, resourcefulness, and communication. While these skills can be applied to your personal and professional life, utilizing them to help others has a meaningful impact on the community, your individual happiness, and your mental and physical health. It can even strengthen your Jewish identity. No matter your denomination, you can bring the Jewish values of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam into action through volunteer work, whether you volunteer in the Jewish community or elsewhere. 

What Maot Chitim volunteers have to say

Volunteering inspires such joy because of the community it provides. When asked about their favorite aspect of volunteering, Maot Chitim volunteers expressed great appreciation for the personal connections they have made. Stating, “The best part of volunteering is enjoying the people you meet.” One volunteer even adds that, “One [fellow volunteer] ended up being my closest friend.” Not only can you meet new people with similar interests, volunteering with your friends and family is an excellent opportunity to form stronger bonds while inspiring a passion for giving.

Create your volunteer experience today

We hope you will consider signing up to volunteer with Maot Chitim. There are some great opportunities coming up that we need your help with, including our Rosh Hashanah food delivery on August 29. It’s a mitzvah you won’t want to miss!

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