In 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico leaving a great deal of devastation in its path. Jewish Student Union (JSU) Relief Missions have been going down to help rebuild ever since. There is still much to be done.

Over President’s Day weekend (Feb. 16-21), JSU teens from St. Louis and Minneapolis will join forces and travel to Puerto Rico to continue the work.  While there, the teens will help rebuild schools and homes, and help farmers combat food insecurity among other impactful activities. There will also be time to take in the sights and sounds of Puerto Rico with visits to Old San Juan, hiking in the El Yunque Rainforest, and much more.

JSU Relief Missions

JSU Relief Missions are transformative volunteer experiences that empower teens to make an impact and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Through these relief missions, teens gain a new perspective, connect to the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), and experience a newfound desire to help those in need by being taken out of their comfort zone and placed on the front lines in the aftermath of natural disasters.

These life-changing missions are the most effective forms of leadership training. Beyond the rigorous pre-trip training, teens learn to comfort those suffering from disasters not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. They return forever changed, with the confidence and drive to take leadership roles in their own communities and around the world.

JSU’s last mission to New Orleans was a huge success and the group is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of both the residents of Puerto Rico and the mission participants. Teens who participate will learn new skills and develop deep connections with the other teens and staff from St. Louis and Minneapolis.

The cost of the trip is $599 (all-inclusive). To register, or for more information, please call Rabbi Mike Rovinsky at 314-498-6279.  (Limited spots remain.)  The trip is open to Jewish teens grades 9-12.