J-Serve is the International Day of Jewish Youth Service through which more than 10,000 Jewish teens from across the globe serve their communities to make the world a better place. J-Serve provides teens with the opportunity to fulfill the Jewish values of gemilut chasidim — acts of loving kindness, tzedakah — just and charitable giving, and tikkum olam, the responsibility to repair the world.

Two Connecticut communities are hosting J-Serve events this spring that have teens starting off on a race in bright, white t-shirts…and crossing the finish line covered in a kaleidoscope of colors!

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1 – 4 p.m.

“Color for Fun” in Stamford

Check-in for this one-mile run begins at 1 p.m. at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Ave. The race for adults and teens begins at 1:45 p.m.; a family run for kids in grades K-8 (K-3 kids must be accompanied by a parent) begins at 2:30. Proceeds will benefit Sunrise Day Camp for children battling cancer.

Registration fee: $18, which entitles runners to an adult-sized t-shirt and an invitation to the post-run barbeque. For more information contact Harrison Peck at (203) 487-0970 or hpeck@stamfordjcc.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Color Ride” in West Hartford

Teens set off on a five-mile bike ride at 10 a.m., from Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr., and cross the finish line at the Community Service Building, 333 Bloomfield Ave. The ride is part of this year’s Tour De Shuls race, which raises funds to send Jewish children with developmental disabilities to summer camp. Following the Color Ride, teens will volunteer at the Tour de Shuls Bike Fest from 12:30 – 3 p.m., helping with bike art projects, bike repairs, serving as buddies for children requiring extra help, and more.  Participants will earn community service hours.

Registration fee: $18. For more information contact Heather Fiedler at (860) 727-6110 or office@jtconnect.org.