This weekend, Temple Judea invites the entire community to join in a powerful experience of recognition, gratitude, and action. On Friday evening, May 16, we will honor our graduating high school seniors during Erev Shabbat services—students who have grown up in our community and are now stepping into the next chapter of their lives. We’ll also proudly announce this year’s recipients of the Judy Scharf Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Ellen M. Rose Caring Community to graduating seniors who have demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back. Adam Jacobsen, one of the first recipients, recently shared how meaningful the scholarship was to him:

Dear Ilene,

This is Adam Jacobsen, Jodi's son. I just spoke to my mother and I wanted to write to you to speak on how influential the scholarship has been on my life. I was one of the first recipients of the scholarship back in 2020. Graduating high school at the height of the pandemic meant that I missed out on several opportunities: the opportunity to go to prom, the opportunity to walk the stage at graduation, and the opportunity to get a job that would help pay for basic necessities in college. I was fortunate that while attending UCLA my parents paid for my tuition, but when it came to things like school supplies and textbooks, I was on my own. My family was in a comfortable enough position to pay for my college, but my sister was also in college at the time and my younger brother was attending private school. My family had a large amount of educational expenses, so having to ask for a new laptop was stressful for me. Having the financial support of the Judy Scharf Scholarship gave me peace of mind and eased any anxiety that the things I needed would be a burden on my family. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to obtain the tools necessary for my success.

As I write to you, I am in the process of completing the requirements for my teaching credential. Next fall, I will be working full-time as a history teacher in Los Angeles. My entire life, I have wanted to find ways to give back to my community. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to do so. More than that, it has served as validation that my contributions to the Jewish community mean something. I have been a member of Temple Judea since I was little. It is where I attended Hebrew School from Kindergarten on, where I got bar mitzvahed, confirmed, and, now, where I work as a B'nei Mitzvah tutor. Receiving the Judy Scharf Scholarship has shown me that my community has my back in the same way I have theirs. I understand that the intention of this scholarship is to honor the charity and dedication of Judy Scharf, z'l. I was fortunate enough to meet her and see just how kind of a woman she was. This scholarship is given in the spirit of what Judy stood for: giving back. Temple Judea will always be my home away from home and I will give back in whatever way I can. 

This is just my story. I know that the Judy Scharf Scholarship has made a difference in the lives of every student who receives it. I implore you to continue this scholarship program and help students become the accomplished adults Temple Judea has raised them to be.

If you’d like to help carry this tradition forward, please visit our donation page and select “Judy Scharf Memorial Scholarship” from the dropdown menu. 

Then, on Sunday, May 18, we gather again for Mitzvah Day—a once-a-year opportunity to put Jewish values into action with fun, meaningful projects for all ages. Volunteer activities include writing letters to IDF soldiers, making beaded eyeglass chains for Jewish Home residents, creating dog toys from old t-shirts, assembling comfort blankets for foster children, and knitting or crocheting with People of the Yarn to support Hope the Mission. (Please bring your own supplies for yarn work.) A Red Cross Blood Drive will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with all donors receiving a $20 gift card. Donation and recycling efforts include collecting new or gently used books for The Woodlands, e-waste recycling (no batteries), and old t-shirts to be turned into animal shelter toys.

Join us for a weekend that honors our young leaders, strengthens our community, and makes a real impact in the world.