Hillel’s Hurricane Katrina Alternative Break 2008-2009

Join the growing community of close to 2,500 Hillel students that have helped rebuild Mississippi and Louisiana since 2005. These one-week trips focus on hands-on service, community interaction and the exploration of social justice and Judaism.

Participants spend their days doing volunteer work which may include, but is not limited to, installing siding on house Students pose with painters' masks and brooms at a worksite in the Gulf Coast. s, drywalling, painting, roofing, cleaning, etc. in the areas affected by the hurricane. After working, students engage in small group discussion and programming that delve into the underlying issues that were brought about by the storm. Following a communal dinner, there are a myriad of activities including meeting with communal leaders and members of New Orleans' Jewish community. The experience also includes a tour of the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and a restful and joyous Shabbat.

Click the link to see a schedule for a typical day.
PDF. PDF Sample Schedule (PDF File 18Kb)

[Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher.]

Application Timeline:
Registration Closes:
    Winter: Sunday, November 15, midnight EST
    Spring: Tuesday, December 2, midnight EST

Acceptance Decisions:
    Winter: After Monday, November 24
    Spring: After Friday, December 12

Cancellation Deadline:
    Winter: Sunday, December 7, midnight EST (no refunds after this date)
    Spring: Four weeks prior to the first day of the trip - refund less $25 cancellation fee (no refund after this date)

Program Dates: Please see this list for program dates. These trips are campus-based and therefore each campus has a specific week it is eligible for. If your campus is not listed here, please contact your Hillel for other Alternative reak options.

Cost: $125 + travel to and from the Gulf Coast.

Location: New Orleans, LA

Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, contact: abgulfcoast@hillel.org

    Registration is now open.
        • Winter Registration in Now Closed
        • Spring Registration

Read about the 2007-2008 trips

Hillel's Hurricane Katrina Alternative Break has been generously supported by United Jewish Communities.