During Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the lives of Jewish Americans who helped shape a more just and equitable nation. One of them was Brother Michael Schwerner (Cornell, 1960). As a member of AEPi, Schwerner found brotherhood rooted in Jewish values—values that later led him to the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1964, he was working with CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) during Mississippi’s Freedom Summer when he, along with James Chaney and Andrew Goodman, was murdered by the KKK for registering Black Americans to vote. Schwerner’s story is one of courage, solidarity, and sacrifice. His legacy lives on in the fight for justice—and in the Jewish tradition of standing up for what’s right. (fb)

This week’s Friday Piday features Brother Rabbi Adir Yolkut (Columbia, 2010), whose Jewish journey has taken him from USY song sessions and AEPi brotherhood to the front lines of Jewish service and education. Now the Director of Education at Repair the World, Rabbi Yolkut is helping shape how young Jews connect to community, tradition, and purpose—especially in the wake of October 7. “The work we do around service can foster connection in a time of hopelessness. And it’s not just doing something good—it’s doing something that’s Jewishly good.” Read more about his path and how he’s helping redefine what Jewish leadership can look like today ➝ https://bit.ly/43yglCX (fb)