You never know who you will meet when you buzz into the front desk of the Gordon JCC. During the summer months, the desk is often staffed by young people from the local Jewish community sitting right alongside other, more senior, staffers, and the security personnel. This summer, Spencer Sivley was one of those young folks. The Frankin Road Academy senior spent much of his vacation time at the J working, and some of the time he had another experience.
To fulfill some community service requirements, he approached Gordon JCC CEO Jesse Feld for ideas. “He really enjoyed his time growing up at the J and wanted to do something positive,” says Feld, “He noticed the Shalom sign was getting over run with weeds and thought cleaning it up would be a great way to make an impact.”
And then…something unusual happened. “After about 40 minutes of weeding, two teens come up to me and asked if they could help. They said their van was locked and they couldn’t get in, and that they’d rather help me than sit idle and do nothing,” says Sivley, “I first declined, since I didn’t want them to feel obligated to help, but they were very excited to help, so we got to work. Eventually, I was surrounded by a group of about nine teens helping me weed.”
As the hot afternoon wore on, Sivley says the conversation turned to Judaism. “They asked me some questions about Judaism, as they had never had much experience with Jewish people besides television. I explained how Jews and Christians share many things in common.”
Sivley says the group bonded over their landscaping work, and conversation about religion. He was moved by their curiosity, and their desire to both help a stranger and make productive use of their unexpected free time. “I got to know the group pretty well and I really enjoyed my time with them. They were very curious to learn about the Jewish experience and were incredibly respectful.”
When their drive returned, with keys to their van, they gathered for pictures and final farewells. “After their driver arrived, they took a picture with me, prayed over me (only after getting permission), and left. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to help me, and I hope they continue to do great things.”
The next time you pass the freshly tended Shalom sign at the entrance to the Gordon JCC, remember the group of young people who, on a hot summer day, came together to work side by side, to learn from one another, and to lend a helping hand — a true reflection of the spirit of “Shalom.”
And incidentally, Sivley says his work at the J was the best summer job he ever had and continues to staff the front desk on Sunday mornings. So stop by and say “hi” sometime.
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