What is Hillel's New Orleans Alternative Break?
Hillel's New Orleans Alternative Break is an immersive experience in which a group of students travel to the Gulf Coast to participate in tzedek (social justice) work. The trip is seven days long and includes five days of physical volunteer work, nightly programming, interactive discussions, and Shabbat observance. We call it Alternative Spring Break (or ASB), for short. The trip focuses on the New Orleans community after the events of Hurricane Katrina.

Who can go on ASB?
EVERYONE. Hillel international designed ASB to be accommodating for everyone, even the most observant Jewish participants. Hillel makes Kosher food available at every meal, offers Shabbat services and does not schedule work on the Shabbat we spend in New Orleans. Any student that is interested in rebuilding the New Orleans community is welcome to join us. Hillel at Syracuse University has also proudly brought many non-Jewish students to New Orleans in the past, and will continue to welcome them on our trip. We will take any student that possesses a spirit of giving and an understanding of the importance of community service.

What do you do on ASB?
Beyond the daily physical work of painting, dry walling and building, students explore the larger issues that have contributed to the current status of the region. This year students are scheduled to tour neighborhoods where water lines from the hurricane are still visible, hear presentations about the social impact of the storm and speak with homeowners and locals about their experiences.

How much does it cost?
Hillel’s ASB is one of the most affordable community service trips offered of its type. This year, students will be asked to pay for their own transportation to and from New Orleans and to pay a registration fee of $200. The registration fee covers all of the food, lodging, on-site transportation, tours, etc., while students are participating on the trip. Hillel also recommends that students spend some money before the trip to purchase boots and appropriate work clothing and that they bring some cash for buying souvenirs.

In the past, we have received grant money from Syracuse’s Student Association (SA) that has covered our registration fees. Students have also received grants from their home-town Temples and Synagogues, and Jewish Federations.

Why should I go on ASB?
Ask anyone who has been on the trip in previous years; the experience will change your life and the way you think about community service. You will get to meet new people, representing Hillels from around the nation, and hear the stories of the people of New Orleans. You will get to learn new skills and apply them to make a difference. And, most importantly, you will have a great time

What expectations are there for after ASB?
Hillel hopes that ASB will inspire you to get involved in social justice work and other aspects of Jewish life when your return. Participants organized awareness events in previous years and are advocates and recruiters for the trip every year.

Do you have any questions?
Please contact Brian Small, at brsmall@suhillel.org, for more information.