NICARAGUA 2011
FEBRUARY 19 - 27, 2011

Tikun Olam B'Shem Adonai - Repairing the world in the name of God

MANDATORY INFORMATIONAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20 - 7:30PM IN THE JEWISH HERITAGE CENTER

We are excited to announce our next Nicaragua work trip in conjunction with Bridges to Community for February 19^th – 27^th 2011.    We will be spending our eight days constructing homes in poverty-stricken, rural villages.  However, we build more than homes; we build a bridge between our two communities.  On our trips, we live amongst the poor in their neighborhoods.  Together we share our food, our thoughts, our laughter, and our dreams. We leave changed forever.   

In our interaction with Nicaraguans as well as through the interfaith experience with our partner, the Bedford Presbyterian Church, this experience promotes a deepening awareness of our global interdependence, cross-cultural learning, and a commitment to the highest Jewish values of Tikun Olam - Repairing our World.

It is this emphasis on seeing Nicaragua through a Jewish lens that makes the Temple Shaaray Tefila Nicaragua experience unique.  Before our trip, we will explore what our tradition teaches us about social justice.  In Nicaragua, we will connect these teachings to action. 

Here is what you need to do to apply: 

• Every applicant and at least one parent MUST be present at the MANDATORY informational meeting: Monday, September 20^th at 7:30 PM in the Jewish Heritage Center regardless of whether you have gone to Nicaragua before or not.
• Complete the online application and survey. **Adult & H.S. applicants  CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION & SURVEY

The deadline for the application and recommendation is Monday, October 4^th.  This is a strict deadline.  We will NOT accept any applicant if all requirements are not submitted by the due date. Any Temple Shaaray Tefila member high school student and/or adult whose family is in good financial standing with the Temple is welcome to apply.  Priority will be given first to new applicants and then to returnees with priority given to seniors, then juniors, and so on.  

There will be two mandatory meetings prior to the trip.  The first will focus on the Jewish response to poverty and the Nicaraguan experience.  The second meeting will be for parents and participants to learn about the details of the trip as well as the expectations of their children.  After we return, there will be a dinner to commemorate our trip.  Attendance is mandatory. 

The program fees for the trip is $1400.  Additionally, airfare will range from between $700 and $950.  There is a fundraising component that ALL participants are required to engage in. Fundraising will be further discussed throughout the application process.    

These policies are in place to ensure that all participants will cherish this amazing opportunity.  The Nicaraguan experience is a reminder to all of us that we must heed the basic tenet of our faith "Love thy neighbor as thyself."

Building a house in Guanacastillo from Steve Krongard on Vimeo.

Harrison Gutierrez reading with kids in Guanacastillo.

 

Director of Youth Programs Brad Zicholtz and Sarai.

   

"Nicaragua, a week that turns into a lifetime."  

 ToaSTY travels to Nicaragua to build homes in rural communities in desperate need of dignified housing.  We are lead by Bridges to Community, which works with local communities to find viable, cooperative projects.  On 10 trips, over the past 6 years, 177 congregants have helped to build 52 homes in the small farming communities of Las Conchitas, Ticuantepe, and Guanacastillo.  On our trips, we live amongst the poor in their neighborhoods.  Together we share our food, our thoughts, our laughter, and our dreams. We leave changed forever.

Our experiences have resulted in the following:

• Contributed $6000 for the construction of school kitchens and food storage facilities in the communities of La Borgoña, Las Dispersas, Los Rios, El Eden, and Francia Dos.  Guaranteeing several hundred children one meal a day.  
  
• Provided $1000 in small business loans for 32 families.
• Allocated $10,000 for the running of medical clinics.
• Contributed $6,700 for the continuation of the computer school in Las Conchitas.
  
• Donated funds for the construction of 5 additional homes.
  
• Raised $25,000 in scholarships for high school and university students.
• Created and continue to maintain a strong relationship with the Nicaraguan Jewish community.
  
• Performed 1st Nicaraguan Bar-Mitzvah in over 30 years in summer 2005.
  
• Performed 1st ever Nicaraguan Bat-Mitzvah in summer 2007.
  
• Raised $18,000 for construction of Community Center in Las Enramadas.
  
• Provided $14,000 for Sol de Vida. A women’s cooperative in Papayal that provides self-sufficient economic help and access to local, affordable natural medicines.
  
• Helped to construct 52 homes for needy families.
  
• Transferred 9 tons of aid to Nicaragua.

If you would like more information about our trips or Bridges to Community, please call Brad Zicholtz, Director of Youth Programs, at (914) 307-0465, or e-mail him: bzicholtz@templest.org.

A Video about Bridges to Community

Bridges to Community is a non-profit community development organization. Our challenge is to create a world where basic needs are treated as human rights: shelter, nutrition, education, healthcare, and employment. We work to meet this goal by bringing groups of volunteers to live in materially poor communities where they work on our ongoing community development projects. There are lots of ways you can take part, and lend a hand to bring that world closer.