Hillel to build Habitat house

UNC's Muslim Students Association and N.C. Hillel a campus Jewish organization are teaming up in an untraditional Habitat for Humanity interfaith project starting Sunday.

Habitat for Humanity workdays are traditionally on Saturdays — the Jewish Sabbath.

But Susan Bourner director of partner relations for Orange County's Habitat for Humanity" said that building days for this particular project will be on Sundays.

""We accommodate different holy days by building on other days than just Saturday"" said Bourner. We try to be as inclusive as possible in as many ways as possible.""

Habitat houses" which are built mostly by volunteers are created for low-income families. Volunteer groups typically commit 16 consecutive weekends to complete a house.

About 16 people work in two shifts one from 8:30 a.m. until noon and another shift from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In 2007 Habitat for Humanity celebrated the construction of its 150th house in Orange County.

Sheila Katz" N.C. Hillel's program director for Jewish student life is excited about more Jewish students being able to get involved with this project.

""The concept of Tzedek" social justice is at the very heart of this community service project" Katz said.

We are honored to participate in this important project that we hope will improve the lives of a local family while also building relationships that cross cultural and religious boundaries.""

Many other campus groups also participate in Habitat house builds.

The senior class traditionally builds one every year.

And four Christian religious groups also list themselves as affiliated with Habitat for Humanity.

Despite Saturday being regarded as a day of rest and contemplation" some Jewish students are not opposed to participating in service projects on Saturdays.

Matt Ross a former UNC graduate student and regular Hillel attendee" has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity on Saturdays in the past.

""It definitely wasn't a problem for me" but I'm open about it Ross said. I do respect certain traditions like holidays" though.""

Ross said he became involved with Habitat for Humanity because it was an activity beyond his studies that led him to meet people and help others.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.