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Message: <br /><br /> If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view this article online at: http://www.jweekly.com/31349/full/31349/sfsu-launches-nation-s-first-jewish-service-learning-certificate/ <br /><br /> <b>SFSU launches nation’s first Jewish service learning certificate</b> <br /> Friday, January 12, 2007 | by stacey palevsky <br /><br /><p>San Francisco State University will soon offer a graduate certificate in Jewish service learning — a program believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.<br /><br /> The certificate will connect Jewish values and civic engagement. Those who enroll will learn how to create and sustain community service projects that inspire Jewish learning and reflection.<br /><br /> "The powerful part about service learning is that it cuts across every possible denomination, identity and affiliation," said Marc Dollinger, an SFSU professor of Jewish studies and social responsibility.<br /><br /> "The usual divisions between different types of Jews disappear when you talk about service. It's very non-threatening," he added. "What's going to happen, ultimately, is that people show up who haven't shown up before."<br /><br /> The certificate program is intended for Jewish professionals who want to learn how to start a lasting service project in their organization. But, Dollinger said, anyone with an interest in volunteerism and Judaism can take the one-year course.<br /><br /> "The service learning concept is all the rage in higher education right now," he said. "For the Jewish community to get on board is phenomenal."<br /><br /> Service learning hinges on the idea that the most meaningful lessons take place outside of a classroom. <br /><br /> Judaism is a natural catalyst because of tikkun olam and the Jewish imperative to help the community, said Maggi Gains, director of the Baltimore-based Spark: Partnership for Service, a national nonprofit helping Dollinger develop the SFSU program.<br /><br /> "Service makes being Jewish relevant and meaningful," she said.<br /><br /> "We live in a time when Jews think: What does it mean to be Jewish? We want to give them multiple entry points to their Jewish identity ... Community service has the potential to reach beyond the pews."<br /><br /> The program will practice what it preaches. <br /><br /> Though the first semester will be mostly classroom-based, the second semester in the fall will require students primarily to be out in the field, putting to use what they learned and developing a service project with the help of a mentor.<br /><br /> Jaré Akchin, the director of the Bureau of Jewish Education's service learning project, helped create the SFSU program. She said she envisions a long-term impact from the projects created by the certificate students.<br /><br /> "Their programs must be needed, sustained and reciprocal," she said. "Teens or adults who volunteer have to get as much out of the experience as the person they're serving.<br /><br /> "Reciprocal learning will build Jewish identity and connections to Jewish institutions," she added.<br /><br /> Students in the program will earn four credits for the course. The class will meet one evening a week during the spring and fall semesters for about two hours at a time. Tuition fees will be announced later this month, but Dollinger said they'll be on the low side so no one is discouraged by the cost.<br /><br /> For more information, email Marc Dollinger at <a href="mailto:mdolling@sfsu.edu"><a href="mailto:mdolling@sfsu.edu">mdolling@sfsu.edu</a></a>.</p>

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