Reading is Jewishly fundamental

CATHY WOLF

Two weeks ago, Rick Naimark and I sat in the assembly room of Creighton Elementary School at the Creighton Elementary School District Recognition Celebration. This is a district with schools where the staff deals with issues of poverty, hunger and language barriers; schools that struggle to assist their students who often move from school to school during one school year; and families where the first language is not English, and putting food on the table is an overriding priority.

Sitting in the room with us was an enthusiastic audience of school faculty, parents, volunteers and students. They were excited about the coming school year and prepared to face upcoming challenges.

We were honored to receive a partnership award for the Greater Phoenix Jewish Coalition for Literacy, which has placed volunteer tutors at the Creighton School. We were honored to be included with these passionate individuals, dedicated to working with children and building bridges for their future.

The coalition has been placing volunteers in public schools for three years. Our volunteers work one-on-one with students to foster a love of reading. Try to remember your first memories of reading. Most of us remember the joy of a wonderful relationship with an adult who would read to us or take us to the library.

Rick Naimark, past chairman of the coalition, has spent three years volunteering. His one hour each week at the Longview School is often the highlight of his busy week. He understands about the Jewish community's "surplus of literacy" and our responsibility to share it. This year, the coalition has added Hadassah and Temple Chai as sponsors.

The need is overwhelming. National studies show that in reading, 68 percent of the nation's fourth-graders performed below grade level. Arizona students have consistently scored below national averages.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix coordinates the coalition with 11 school partnerships. Each of these schools has an at-risk student population, high poverty levels and low reading scores. Our volunteers are welcomed with open arms. The relationships built are so special that volunteers often want to continue with the same child every year.

Tikkun olam (repair of the world) is a responsibility of each Jew. The JCRC and federation work to find ways to reach out to our community. Literacy volunteer training will be held the week of Sept. 15. Other volunteer opportunities will be available on Mitzvah Day on Sunday, Nov. 16. Ongoing information on volunteer opportunities is available on the federation Web site, www.jewishphoenix.org. Join me in making a difference this year and volunteer.

Cathy Wolf is the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Contact her at 480-634-4900 x1108 or jcrc@jewishphoenix.org.

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