I need to throw myself into something. I want to teach, preferably Jewish Studies (Tanakh, Jewish Philosophy, etc) or English Literature. Or perhaps Hebrew School. If not that, then I want to give shiurim. Tutor. Run an orphanage (no, I am not joking.) Be a medical clown. Be the person who answers the phone to a suicide hotline. Anything that provides interaction with little children is ideal. Surely someone has some sort of suggestion or idea for me (volunteer opportunities/ internships are great as well.) I
need to do something.
You could volunteer with Chai Lifeline: http://www.chailifeline.org/
ReplyDeleteor ORA, which while it does not work directly with children, does important work
www.getora.org
I'm not sure if Medical clowns are still used in hospitals these days (kids seem to be scared of clowns)--but you can always try to contact individual hospitals and see what kind of volunteer openings they have.
ReplyDeleteAs for Hebrew schools--I'd suggest either asking around or looking at the different shuls/places that run Hebrew Schools and offer them--see if they're looking for teachers.
You may also want to look into a classifieds board--like Craigslist--see if anyone is looking for a tutor (or alternatively offer your services as a tutor)
Just a few ideas to get you started
Chana,please look through these and see if you like any of them:
ReplyDeletehttp://thejobfool.com/jobs/index.cfm/kw/Tutor/L/10027/
http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/dnvsdf6oeo/part-time-jobs/
http://www.doortodoortutoring.com/tutors.aspx
You can volunteer on the 9th floor of Sloan-Kettering-Memorial Hospital. Located on York Avenue between 67th and 68th. There are many children there that will appreciate your time.
ReplyDeleteAll,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions!
tmjf,
Yes, but they only need you for a couple hours once or twice a week, so that still leaves me lots and lots of unused time, alas.
tmjf:
ReplyDeleteGood idea! They have Chai Lifeline, Mekimi, Child life specialists, Medical Clowns and others at Sloan. I am sure Chana will find her niche.
I don't think that you will be limited in your time. Tell CL what times you are available and I'm sure they'll take you in.
ReplyDeletetmjf,
ReplyDeleteI talked to the Sloan Kettering folks already- that was my first stop- and they specifically told me only a couple hours a week once a week...I'd be happy to basically live in that hospital and hang out with the folks if they'd let me. Do you have a specific contact there I should follow up with in order to get to spend more time there?
Although that is a brilliant idea re: Chai Lifeline- just sent them an application! Huzzah!
ReplyDeleteGet into Sloan via Chai Lifeline. Also, once you start visiting the children, you can visit them as a friend (i.e. you visit a specific person) outside of your volunteer hours.
ReplyDelete...better yet, become a big sister...see chailifeline.org for details.
ReplyDeleteYeah, so I'm not sure re: the Big Sister thing- I'd rather work with lots of children- but we shall see! In any case, I submitted my application so now I just need to hear back from them. Hope they take me.
ReplyDeleteWhat does 'TMJF' stand for, btw?
ReplyDeletethanks to abortion, there are not many orphanages around anymore.
ReplyDeleteas for clowns, there is a frum org called lev leytzan. and many jewish schools are always needing extra help tutoring
Nothing. I used to comment here as the TMWTBH. I started to type that then simply ended with JF since they are convenient typing keys. BTW, I'll give you a chance to figure out what TMWTBH means and then I might tell you.
ReplyDeleteBTW, unfortunately, I have a close relative that frequents Sloan.
If you're looking for something close to where you live, there is always Morgan-Stanley Childrens Hospital:
ReplyDeletehttp://childrensnyp.org/mschon /patients/volunteer-opportunities.html
As for the education side--can you "advertise" your tutoring services at Stern?
TMJF,
ReplyDeleteI assume that means 'Tuesday Monday Wednesday Thursday Baruch Hashem.'
I'm sorry to hear that about your relative. I hope s/he gets better very soon! If s/he wants visitors, I'd be happy to come visit!
The Cousin,
Those are both great ideas! I should do that...
The Man with the Black Hat.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a real Curious Jewrge, you'll understand.
Well, it's obviously based off The Man With the Yellow Hat since I am Curious George, but Jewish. The question is: do I know you/ have I met you? (I have various and sundry Rabbanim/ people in my life who don the hat of black.)
ReplyDeleteNo, never met.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've been an on-again, off-again reader of the blog from the get-go. I went to the "virtual" Stern with you, now I'm "in" Revel.
Thanks for all the write-ups of all those interesting lectures.
Totally welcome. I won't be able to type down more Revel lectures, though- alas, it has been forbidden to me.
ReplyDeleteBut you know what? You should come to the Tanakh Yemei Iyun we have here at YU- those are great! Or there is always Midreshet Yom Rishon (every Sunday!)
you could lose your mind, but something tells me you're doing that already
ReplyDeleteyou could volunteer at New York-Presbyterian (like a lot of us pre-meds have done). They want any amount of time you can provide (minimally 8 hours per week). I spent my time in the pediatric emergency room - but there are numerous other areas to volunteer in. AND, it's only 1 subway stop away on 168th street.
ReplyDeleteYou're always welcome to volunteer at Yachad.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to help you get involved.
Good luck!
Perhaps the students at the public schools in Washington Heights need some tutoring in, say, writing.
ReplyDelete