Based on the concept of Tikkun Olam, “Repairing our World,” students participate in acts of Tzedakah (“Justice”) and Gemilut Hasidim (“Soci al Action). More so than an organized activity off campus, at Levine community service and the practice of Mitzvot are woven into every curriculum, starting in Early Childhood. The following is a synopsis of how we go about our Community Service programs in each of our divisions in the K-8 side of the school: Lower School: Tikkun Olam Beck Lower School students do not have individual community service requirements and as a class will determine a project to fulfill the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam. Room parents typically will coordinate this project with the classroom/homeroom teachers. Middle School: Tikkun Olam Middle School students are required to perform a minimumof 10 hours of community service each year. Students must turn in a minimumof 5 completed hours at the end of the first trimester and another 5 at the completion of the second trimester. - Additional hours are recognized at the Middle School Awards Assembly. - Students choose their own service projects and, in the past, have collected food, books, toys, bicycles, cell phones, diapers, blankets and clothes for those in need. - Students will complete a form to receive credit for their service hours. The 7 th Grade B’n ai Mitzvah Program and the 8 th Grade Israel Mission Program The B'nai Mitzvah Philanthropic Programallows Levine Academy students entering the Bar/Bat Mitzvah years (almost for all students this will be 7 th grade) to contribute voluntarily to a special fund established by their class. Instead of students giving gifts to each other in honor of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they join forces in sharing with those less fortunate by giving through a philanthropic fund. This has become a tradition at Levine Academy, inviting students to participate personally in tikkun olam , realizing the Jewish responsibility and obligation of tzedakah , bonding with each other, and learning about the real-life process of planning and allocations. Our 8 th Grade Israel Mission Trip, which all 8 th graders experience in the spring of their final year at Levine, has evolved into a trip that is largely focused on doing service projects and visiting beneficiaries of non-profit organizations in Israel. This has been a very welcome change to the focus of the trip, which years ago was centered on historical battles, from both ancient and contemporary times. The Israel Mission focus on doing service offers our students an opportunity to learn about these agencies in advance of their trip and to make real contact with individuals who are receiving services in Israel. This makes for a most meaningful experience in Israel, and serves to underscore the value that our school places on Tikkun Olam - Repairing the World – the core purpose of doing community service. In addition to the overnight trips, and the focus on service activities and learning within the advisory program, each month the Student Congress organizes a “D ollars4D enim” fundraising project. (All students who choose to wear jeans must give $1 to the Student
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