Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy
JCRC’s literacy program the Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy (GBJCL) mobilizes the Jewish community to tutor elementary school children and help them discover the joy of reading. Through partnerships with synagogues, Jewish community organizations, day schools, and local businesses, GBJCL engages volunteer tutors in school-based one-to-one literacy tutoring, mentoring, book drives, and advocacy efforts in under-served communities.
How to Get Involved
Join a Team
The traditional volunteer model for GBJCL is tutoring one student weekly for the whole school year. Volunteers can also choose to form a “read-aloud” group where they read a book aloud to two or more students at the same level. These GBJCL volunteers join literacy teams from synagogues, Jewish organizations, and local businesses.
Click here to apply to volunteer.
Take a Leadership Role
- Team Leader: Form and lead a literacy team through a synagogue, Jewish organization, or business.
- Synagogue Recruiter: Assist in recruiting volunteers from your synagogue to join a larger team.
Check out our list of Volunteer Resources!
Volunteer Teams
Synagogue Relationships
Beth El Temple Center, Belmont
Centre Street Minyan, Newton
Congregation Kerem Shalom, Concord
Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Brookline
Congregation Shaarei Tefillah, Newton
Temple Beth Am, Framingham
Temple Beth David, Westwood
Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley
Temple Beth Shalom, Needham
Temple Beth Zion, Brookline
Temple Chayai Shalom of Easton
Temple Emanuel, Newton
Temple Isaiah, Lexington
Temple Israel of Natick
Young Israel of Sharon
Other Ways to Engage
Teacher’s aide: Former elementary school teachers offer additional support to teachers and impact a classroom.
Book Drives: Donate books or organize a book drive to benefit a classroom, school, or community library.
Financial Support: This is a wonderful opportunity for those who want to help the program grow its partnerships, trainings and other resources to better support our schools. Click here to donate.
Contact Sacha Bodner at with any questions.
