This past spring, due to the global pandemic, Ochs – an ordained rabbi and member of UVA’s Jewish studies program since its inception – had to make a few tweaks.

However, Ochs said the course, which was conducted over Zoom for the final few months, was as thought-provoking as ever.

“The students began to think incredibly creatively,” Ochs said. “They anticipated how technology would be used to sustain individuals and communities; they designed texts that could be used for virtual rituals.”

Prior to the pandemic, the students – many working in conjunction with Madison House – had been able to give back to the Charlottesville community in a number of ways, including mentoring young people with autism, volunteering at the Salvation Army and Goodwill, adopting a grandparent, teaching children to read and helping people with taxes.

Read the rest of this UVA Today story here.