Tikkun Olam

In celebration of the enduring ties between America’s Black and Jewish communities, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the National Urban League (NUL) are partnering to designate the week of September 7th as Black-Jewish Unity Week. Our histories in America differ profoundly, and yet we share a history of discrimination and violence. The two communities share many goals and values, and have a long history of working closely together. There is also a history of tensions and disagreements. Recently, anti-Semitism among some segments of the current African American activist movements have renewed tensions, even as our shared fight for justice, equality and access to opportunity require we work together as allies. This week is an opportunity to listen, learn, and remind ourselves of our shared work and our ongoing challenges.

Links to Media and Resources:

NUL page on #BlackJewishUnity Week  AJC page on #BlackJewishUnity Week

• Jews and the Civil Rights Movement – A concise overview from the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism.
• National Urban League Podcast: For The Movement: Celebrating #BlackJewishUnity Week – In this episode, leaders of the Urban League and the American Jewish Committee explore the relationship between the two communities in honor of #BlackJewishUnity Week. Daniel Elbaum, the American Jewish Committee’s Chief Advocacy Officer, joins Clint Odom, NUL Senior Vice President of Policy & Advocacy and Toni Wiley, NUL Director of Advocacy.

• American Jewish Committee Podcast: People of the Pod – Celebrating #BlackJewishUnity Week with the National Urban League – In this episode, leaders of the Urban League and the American Jewish Committee explore the relationship between the two communities in honor of #BlackJewishUnity Week, with Clint Odom, the National Urban League’s Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Executive Director of the National Urban League’s Washington Bureau.

The current epidemic will likely tax what systems we have in place to protect and support the most vulnerable As Jews, it is our duty to do what we can, so we will consider Social Action in this time and place.

Join Us at 6, via ZOOM

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

MEALS ON WHEELS

Age Well’s community meals program needs drivers during this coronavirus crisis. Help those trapped at home who cannot get out to do food shopping. Time commitment of about 2 hours once a week. Contact Laura Need at Age Well either by email or at 802-662-5273

PASSOVER FOOD DRIVE FOR SOUTH BURLINGTON FOOD SHELF

The coronavirus has increased need to provide food support for members of our community. Bring food donations directly to the Food Shelf at 356 Dorset Street, on Thursdays between 9:30-11:30 AM. Most needed: jams, jellies, coffee, cereal, rice, toiletries, canned fruit and a separate bag noted s perishable for cheese, meat fruit, veggies. Visit the Food Shelf website to make a donation or volunteer.

DONATE BLOOD OR VOLUNTEER

There is a desperate shortage of blood and blood drive volunteers. The Red Cross has instituted special precautions to ensure that you and the health providers are as safe as can be. PLEASE visit redcrossblood.org to learn more, and help out in any way you can. If you are eligible and healthy, please make a blood donation appointment as soon as you can by visiting the website or downloading the Red Cross blood app for your mobile device. To discuss volunteer opportunities, contact volunteer coordinator Alice Drislane.

RESOURCES

HUNGER FREE VERMONT

If you have any concerns or questions related to food for yourself, family, or members of your community during this crisis, Hunger Free Vermont has created a web page dedicated to preparing for the impacts of COVID-19 on food access in Vermont.

NEED HELP YOURSELF?

Need help with shopping, pressing repairs at your home, pet care, etc.? Contact the Chaverim Committee or the Social Action Committee.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ACTION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ‘

Let us know what actions you are engaged in. Suggest actions the Committee should consider. Contact the committee chair.

JOIN OUR TEMPLE SOCIAL ACTION EMAIL LIST

Add your name to our committee mailing list to receive meeting minutes, occasional articles, and action opportunities. And join our meetings on the 3rd Thursday of every month(6:00-7:00). Contact the Social Action Committee for more information.

Over the past two years, a congregant family have been mentoring a teenage Somali woman. She and her family are currently living in the COTS Family Shelter, in Burlington. She is doing fine, but she is really struggling to keep up with her schoolwork and meet expectations for her grade level. This is mostly due to her lack of English language skills and challenges in reading and writing.

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