AVODAH to honor Carole Neff at first Partners in Justice jazz brunch

AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps will celebrate four years of activism in New Orleans with its first Partners in Justice Jazz Brunch this month.

AVODAH works to strengthen the Jewish community’s fight against poverty and the issues that cause poverty. Members serve on the staff of anti-poverty organizations, working on issues such as housing, education and health care.

During their year of service, AVODAH members live together and form a network of young people committed to social change and Jewish life. They receive a small stipend, and allow the non-profit organizations where they work to apply what otherwise would go to staff costs to serving the public. Thus far, the anti-poverty groups have been able to reallocate over $860,000 so they can accomplish more.

After participants finish their year of service, there is an alumni program, and over half of the New Orleans members who have finished their service are still living in New Orleans.

The June 24 brunch, which will be at 11 a.m. at the Tulane Hillel, will honor Carole Neff. Dani Levine, New Orleans director of AVODAH, said Neff “has been a bold leader in the Jewish community in New Orleans and an incredible role model for all of us.” A past president of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana, Neff was the founding advisory council chair for AVODAH in New Orleans “and has dedicated the past four years to promoting the next generation of social change leaders in New Orleans, whose work for justice is rooted in and nourished by Jewish values.”

Tickets are $50, $30 for those under age 30. Those purchasing at levels of $90 or more will be listed in the program. Max Nathan is honorary chair.

AVODAH New Orleans is trying to access a challenge grant from the Clayton-Royer Family Foundation. All new and increased gifts to AVODAH New Orleans will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.

For tickets, click here.