We believe tzedakah is not simply a donation of money but also a gift of time, effort, care and attention. And social action is more than a donation: it means we actively engage in the world, working to fight injustice and oppression everywhere.
We always need volunteers for our projects; if you want to get involved, contact the chair of our Social Action committee, Joyce Fulps.
A few examples of projects that our members have initiated:
Relief in Joplin, MO: In August 2011, following the devastating tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri, Temple Israel members took a congregational trip to Joplin. Congregants brought supplies of food and clothing and worshipped with members of The United Hebrew Congregation.
Rabbi Cukierkorn felt a special connection to Joplin: “[Joplin] was one of my student pulpits while I was in rabbinical school.”
Harvesters: Temple Israel collected food and money for Harvesters’ backpack program, which provides snacks for more than 15,000 area children each week. This is an ongoing project. If you have anything to donate, please leave donations at the temple, and they’ll be taken to Harvesters weekly.
Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays: Temple Israel members donated to this program to give one family a special holiday season. Special thanks to Marcie Pell for her generous participation in last month’s Adopt-A-Family effort.