“Jewlicious is the most awesome Jewish experience I have ever had. Being in a space with so many diverse Jews, where everyone is welcoming and learning from one another, is a truly unique and powerful thing.”
Because Friends are Family too!
Activist Jennifer Turner Embarks on Cross Country Trek for JF7 “Family Reunion”
Jennifer is not a woman you are likely to forget if you were at JF6. The dynamic volunteer in an electric yellow shirt, she was “on” the whole festival. Sorting, moving, directing, humoring, and helping get out the hundreds and hundreds of meals from the kitchen, Jennifer was a stellar volunteer. Last year she spoke about her personal experiences, as part of a panel that highlighted the unique strengths and challenges of being a Jew of Color in America. This year she joins us to talk about her life as an activist in VISTA AmeriCorps.
When Jennifer lived in LBC, coming to JF6 was a piece o’cake, but now that she is living in Connecticut, it takes a lot more effort and a lot more dough! So we had to ask her, why come all this way for JF7?
“Jewlicious is the most awesome Jewish experience I have ever had. Being in a space with so many diverse Jews, where everyone is welcoming and learning from one another, is a truly unique and powerful thing. After last year’s festival, I felt so reJEWvenated — I felt more committed to my Judaism and to life. At last year’s festival I also met some of the people whom I count among my very best friends, and a truly wise four year-old once told me that friends are family too, so attending this year will give me a chance to see all of my West Coast family. Plus, there really is no better excuse to leave 20 degree weather and all of this snow. “
Jennifer loves her work, but the choice to continue serving in AmeriCorps was not easy. “I gave up the stability and comfort of a corporate job to devote my life to something greater than myself, and I have never been happier.” In Long Beach she worked on affordable housing, and in Connecticut she works with college students, making community partnerships and getting folks involved with community service projects. About her inspiration, Jennifer says, “I believe that service to others is how we truly bring G-d’s presence into the world. When reflecting upon the March on Selma, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said that he was praying with his feet. To me, this is exactly what serving with AmeriCorps is, I am praying through my service.”
Come to Jewlicious and be inspired.
Picture here
