Giving youth a chance to serve

Some of the interns had the opportunity to work with the elderly. Others worked with children at Jewish community centers. Some assisted emigres. Still others got involved in social action, Jewish education, communications and fund-raising.

By serving in the Kohn summer Intern Program, which ended today, and the Avodah Community Youth Employment Program, which ended two weeks ago, area college students and high-schoolers received hands-on experience in the work of the Jewish community. The beneficiaries were not just the youth who served but the community at large.

Building the Jewish community of the future is going to take more than sending kids to Hebrew school, Jewish camps and even to Israel, valuable as those programs are. We also need to nurture a new generation of Jewish professionals and volunteers who are committed to service.

That's why we applaud the Kohn and Avodah programs, which are administered by Jewish Vocational Services with funding from the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation.

The college and high school students who participate not only have the opportunity to learn about the Jewish world -- attending seminars each Friday during their summer internships. More important, they also have an opportunity to serve and to earn stipends, working alongside Jewish community professionals and volunteers in dozens of fields.

As a result of those summer experiences, some interns redirect their career paths, becoming Jewish community professionals, a field that seriously needs additional workers. Others become dedicated volunteers, infusing our institutions with new vitality.

In addition, those who work with the interns gain the valuable perspective of youth. Jewish agencies discover what steps they must take to ensure that the next generation will continue their work.

We want to thank those youth who served our institutions this summer -- and the agencies and funders that enabled them to work, to earn and to learn.