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Gabriel Project Mumbai (GPM) is an NGO that works with local communities in caring for vulnerable children in slums and under-served rural villages of Maharashtra, India, by providing a grassroots response to poverty, malnutrition, disease, illiteracy, hunger, and child labor in India.

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Entwine is building a generation of young Jews who lead and live a life of action with global Jewish responsibility at its core.

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Access JDC's most recent Annual Report and historical issues dating back to 1927!

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for matches with not-so-strong English to practice names of foods

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posted by SILVIA BEHAR, FORMER LEMESH FELLOWSHIP PARTICIPANT WITH GABRIEL PROJECT MUMBAI, INDIA

My name is Silvia and I was born and raised in Bulgaria. Although traveling is my passion, India seemed like a very far-off, unknown place. After two weeks there, however, it no longer feels so distant. I am happy that JDC Entwine provided the opportunity to spend time with and learn from the organization Gabriel Project Mumbai (GPM) through the Marion Lemesh Fellowship. GPM is an NGO that works with some of the most vulnerable communities in India to help break the cycle of poverty and hunger. This experience allowed me to use what I've learned as a madricha (counselor) and embody the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, a very powerful and inspiring combination.

I had heard many different things about India from friends who traveled there, so I tried not to enter the experience with expectations and committed to keeping an open mind. As it turns out, this was the best decision. Mumbai is a place of diversity, extremes, and is often a roller coaster of emotions. Everything in Mumbai is so rich and colorful - from the traffic, to the skyscrapers, to the spices.

Throughout the experience, I spent time in GPM classrooms and health clinics in the Kalwa slum (just outside of Mumbai) and the rural village of Ashte. It's impossible to describe everything I learned in India, but here are five reasons why it was so special for me:

1. I challenged myself. Heading into the experience, I wasn't sure what my role would be. This uncertainty challenged me to speak with the staff, connect with the kids, and go through educational materials. As I time went on, I learned about developing lesson plans, taught in English with Hindi translation, and most of all, understood how important it is to be flexible.

2. My perspective changed. It's easy to become consumed with your own reality, losing sight of the fact that other people have completely different ones. I got to meet wonderful, kind, and bright kids that live in unthinkable conditions, but maintain such a positive attitude. I realized how many of the things I worry about daily often don't matter in the bigger picture.

3. I saw what it means to give real support. Often we assume what others may want or need are the same as what we want and need. GPM is so special because it works with the community to fill THEIR needs. Starting with nutritious food, education, health care, hygiene and so much more.

4. Working with children is so rewarding. I have previous experience working with kids and this confirmed that, no matter where they're from, kids have a similar curiosity, innocence, and honesty. We only spent a couple of weeks together, but these children definitely have a special place in my heart and one day I hope to see them again.

5. At the end I gained way more than I gave. Now that I'm back home I can't stop thinking "what can I do more for communities?" The experience seemed to pass with a blink of an eye, but the time in India was enough to change my perspective - and for that I am very grateful!

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5 Reasons to Experience Gabriel Project Mumbai with JDC Entwine

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posted by SILVIA BEHAR, FORMER LEMESH FELLOWSHIP PARTICIPANT WITH GABRIEL PROJECT MUMBAI, INDIA My name is Silvia and I was born and raised in Bulgaria. Although traveling is my passion, India seemed like a very far-off, unknown place. After two weeks there, however, it no longer feels so distant.

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JDC's global coronavirus response is being carried out in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America; those who wish to donate to JDC's emergency response through their local Federation are encouraged to do so.

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JDC's global coronavirus response is being carried out in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America; those who wish to donate to JDC's emergency response through their local Federation are encouraged to do so.

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That was my response when the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) asked me in 2013 to make a documentary about the Jewish community in India.

Having grown up in a traditional Jewish household, I was familiar with the idea of Jewish community; having the Internet and a few friends of Indian descent, I became as familiar with Indian culture as I could without experiencing it firsthand.

So a few minutes before the plane touched down and I was introduced to the complete sensory overload that is India, I realized that I was prepared to meet Jews and I was prepared to meet Indians, but I still wasn't prepared to meet Jewish Indians.

The thought of women lighting Shabbat candles while wearing saris, and men reciting traditional Jewish blessings over plates of curried rice and coconut milk was something I couldn't wrap my mind around.

Witnessing and participating in these customs is something I'll never forget.

While eight days is hardly enough to truly get to know a country or a community, we did our best to do just that.

We rode rickshaws between visits to Jewish community members. We rode packed trains among the country's masses, and boats through the coastal Alibag region, an area brimming with Indian Jewish history. We saw big cities and small towns, some rich, some poor. We met Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, with whom we talked, sang and danced.

I did a stand-up set at the Mumbai Jewish Community Center, and I played cricket with India's young Jewish leaders. I paid my respects at the community's Jewish cemeteries, and I sang traditional songs with Indian Jewish children at Gan Katan, a school sponsored by JDC. I even sang Meatloaf with the community's elderly. Seriously, watch the video.

The community welcomed me and our crew with open arms. It was an honor to get to know them -- and that's why we made this film -- because not everyone can have this experience for themselves. We wanted to bring India's 2,100 year old Jewish community to your computer screens and smartphones.

This is a country that's incredibly beautiful and unique, as is its Jewish community.

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India's Jewish Community: Vibrant, Strong, Uproarious

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That was my response when the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) asked me in 2013 to make a documentary about the Jewish community in India. Having grown up in a traditional Jewish household, I was familiar with the idea of Jewish community; having the Internet and a few friends of Indian descent, I became as familiar with Indian culture as I could without experiencing it firsthand.

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Friday Calls for a global shabbat shalom!

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Friday Calls for a global shabbat shalom!

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You can share about what you are or aren't doing for shabbat and compare notes. Lots of our elderly clients attend virtual events each week including for shabbat through JDC partners like Chesed.

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Conversation starters for elderly matches

Schedule your calls on Fridays or Saturdays so you can wish each other a shabbat shalom/ shavua tov, and use it as an opportunity to discuss introductory-level Jewish traditions and related topics

Ask about their life, profession, place they grew up etc.

Ask about life in the Jewish community – do they celebrate holidays, how?

Ask about objects or pictures you see in the apartment

Ask about how a larger event has shaped their experience (war, etc.)

Ask about what advice they have or wish someone had given them when they were young adults?

Ask about favorite childhood memories

Ask about their hobbies

Ask about food that you eat, and which foods are traditional to your families and hometowns (this could include a recipe exchange and trying to make each other’s foods!)

Some examples of questions to avoid

Have you considered moving to Israel? (it implies they should have and that their lives would be better there, which is not necessarily true; JDC seeks to help people where they are and want to be)

Do your children support you? (it implies they should, or something is wrong with their family relationship, which is none of our business). Similarly, avoid questions about sensitive family dynamics

Avoid socio-political topics

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Conversation starters and tips for teen matches

It is great to come prepared, with an activity, vocabulary sheet, etc., but don’t be afraid to deviate from the plan if the conversation flows elsewhere. You can even send prompts to your match ahead of time so they can prepare. Here are some ideas:

Don’t be afraid to be silly and laugh at yourself - communicating across a language barrier can feel awkward, and by embracing silliness and not taking things too seriously, you may be able to break down that awkwardness and have fun. Communication is about so much more than understanding the words being used and conveying warmth through your face and body language will go a long way!

Ask about their life, family, siblings, etc.

Ask about school – teachers, favorite subjects, least favorite subjects, dress code, etc.

Ask about favorite movies, TV shows, music, etc.

Ask about friends, hobbies, favorite things to do in their free time, etc.

Ask about life in the Jewish community – do they celebrate holidays, how?

Ask about objects or pictures you see in the apartment

Ask about food that you eat, and which foods are traditional to your families and hometowns (this could include a recipe exchange and trying to make each other’s foods!)

Ask about some favorite spots to visit in your hometowns

Ask to learn some words in Russian - it may break down barriers and nerves if it is a more mutual learning exchange, rather than a binary of ‘teacher’ and ‘learner’ dynamic.

If your match is using Google Translate to help with the conversation, on you next call start off by saying that you have it open so you can learn some Russian words. This way, you don’t need to explicitly say “I know you’re using google translate”, which may be embarrassing, this will instead put you on the same level

Make a shared interest into an activity-

Both enjoy cooking? Read through a recipe together to learn new words. If you have video access, you can even cook together

Both enjoy music- send the link to the lyrics of a favorite song and read through together

Discuss Jewish communities from around the world by picking from the Global Shabbat toolkit.

Have convos on Fridays so you can wish each other a Shabbat Shalom and create space for the global Jewish focus.

Watch and compare the Soviet cartoon Nu Pogodi, which has no words, with Road Runner/ Coyote (also has no words).

Other options: Russian Winnie the Pooh (with English subtitles) and American Winnie the pooh

Make a compare and contrast list Google Doc that you can both log into. Compare favorite foods, movies, music, etc. in this chart. Sharing your screen or google doc will make the collaboration more tangible.

Would You Rather

Basic Vocabulary Worksheet

Some examples of questions to avoid

Have you considered moving to Israel? (it implies they should have and that their lives would be better there, which is not necessarily true; JDC seeks to help people where they are and want to be)

Why does your family need to receive aid from JDC? (The family's financial strength, or lack of strength, is a delicate issue and none of our concern)

Avoid socio-political topics

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Ask your match if there is a particular time or place they need to use Hebrew or English (ie- the market, calling the electric company, speaking with donors). Role play the characters in this scenario and practice what a conversation might sound like

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Spend the first chat getting to know each other. The most successful participants ask their match what they hope to get out of the experience! Plan what your time together might look like

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pick an article and read it before the next call. Debrief it together, ask questions, share what stood out to you, etc.

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If comfortable, invite your match into your home (virtually)- talk about your family, where you grew up. By opening up and showing your own vulnerability, it may encourage them to do the same

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prepare for awkward silence with sharing an issue you are facing- something at work, or a friend, to get their input.

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take turns with the sessions- can trade off who is responsible each week

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It's okay to broach challenging conversations! Name the tension, ask what topics uncomfortable discussing

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Since the eruption of violence, JDC has responded by working closely with our partners in the Government of Israel, local Israeli municipalities, and key human services organizations to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Israelis, such as poor families, children-at-risk, the elderly, and people with disabilities. These demographics include Israelis from across religion and background. We are also working to address future needs: long-term needs, crisis preparedness, and efforts to strengthen Israel’s social fabric in the face of Arab-Jewish tensions.

JDC plays a unique role in Israeli society by uniting different groups of Israelis—Jewish and Arab, religious and secular, rich and poor, those with power and those on the margins—behind the shared goal of transforming lives for the better. As such, our partners turn to us to address those needs and also bolster the ties that bind all Israelis together.

In addition, we are:

Aiding poor families and those in distress: We are providing counseling and therapy services for the traumatized, including a hotline we are now setting up for parents from over 50 daycare facilities near the Gaza border. This is in addition to material support for the neediest impacted by business and school closures.

Providing in-school trauma services for educators and schoolchildren: We are working with psychological services and the Ministry of Education to counsel educators in cities and villages most affected by the crisis. This includes work with the staff of Haredi schools and yeshivot who are still reeling from the Mt. Meron tragedy.

Delivering crisis support for at-risk elderly: We are operating on-line activities for older adults in crisis areas designed to alleviate stress (such as mindfulness and yoga classes), and are also providing training for 150+ elderly care facilities in crisis response and preparedness. We’re offering tailored services for Russian-speaking older adults; long-term care solutions for the neediest elderly in Arab and mixed Arab-Jewish cities; and virtual health and wellness services.

Deploying emergency services for people with disabilities: In addition to coordinating with Israel’s Home Front command to make safety information accessible to people with disabilities, JDC is helping procure life-saving technology for those who are deaf or have hearing as the rockets continue to fall. We previously reactivated our virtual services for people with disabilities to get emergency services and information.

Fostering Israeli social cohesion and cooperation: Working with the Israeli Government and local partners to design a “day-after” plan addressing civic and social engagement. We are also launching an intervention to promote diversity, sensitivity training, and conflict resolution within the workplace.

Learn more and stay connected at www.jdc.org/IsraelEmergency