Click for our latest Social Action Opportunities
Our Congregation provides its members with many opportunities for social action. Our programs benefit women’s and teen shelters, foster children and homeless veterans, the homebound and the hungry. By reaching out to people in need, we not only help to repair the world, but also strengthen our Jewish identity and provide an important example of our values for our children.
The Social Action Committee also embraces and supports racial and social justice issues.
PROJECTS INCLUDE
- Mitzvah Days for a variety of causes
- Blood Drives
- Community Benefit Events
- Meals on Wheels Deliveries
- Habitat for Humanity Project in Milton, VT
- Sudan Rising Fundraising
- Nothing But Nets
In addition, volunteers are encouraged to help the Chaverim Committee with activities such as new baby arrivals, illness, mourning, arranging transportation etc.
Join the Social Action Committee for regular updates on Tikkun Activities. For more info, or to join the committee, email the Social Action chairperson or email the Temple Office.
Black Jewish Unity Week
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.
New Attacks on the Anti-Defamation League
(Excerpted from Rabbi David Edleson’s weekly email to Temple Sinai members)
I was very upset to see an article in the Israeli press this week reporting that a coalition over 60 progressive organizations had signed on to a movement and petition to boycott the ADL. The letter begins:
Open Letter to progressives: The ADL is not an Ally
Social Action Update – 7/23/2020
Five Ways You Can Get Involved To Make A Difference In Our Community
Reform Judaism’s beliefs grow from the Hebrew Prophets’ calls for social justice. We are to do what we can to make those values manifest and real in our community. Here are four things you can get involved with or attend with Temple Sinai to make a difference:
- Anti-Racism Book Group
- Speaker Evan Traylor
- Help Get Out the Vote
- Support the South Burlington Food Shelf
- Get Involved With Our Social Action/Tikkun Olam Committee
Do Something!
On Wednesday of this week, Xusana Davis, VT Director of Racial Equity, was asked to respond to the following question, “What can Vermonters do right now?” Her answer, “Do Something.”
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge before us. A simple step, large or small, can get us going. Acting begets more acting.
Consider this medium.com list of 75 ways in which you might act. Choose one (or more!) or create your own action.
Chaverim and Social Action Efforts during COVID-19
The Chaverim Team is working hard in the time of COVID-19. We recently delivered 30 Passover Care packages to members of our community so they had matzoh and kosher wine for seder. Thank you to Rabbi and Stacie Gabert for all of their help in this effort.
The Chaverim and Social Action committees have been active on several fronts to help people in need during the COVID-19 shutdown.
2020 High Holidays Food Drive
September 10, 2020 by templesinai • Tikkun Olam •
During the 5781 High Holy Days,
please help those who are hungry in our community.
Two Easy Ways to Give
Online
Make a direct donation to the South Burlington Food Shelf to help them purchase needed items at low cost. Consider becoming a Food Hero, and give monthly, to help families throughout the year. Dedicate your gift to Temple Sinai if you’d like us to be acknowledged.
Donate Online Now!
In Person
Drop off a paper bag of items in the religious school vestibule
on the following dates ONLY
Tuesday 9/15/20 – 8am-2pm
Tuesday 9/22/20 – 3pm-5pm
Wednesday 9/30/20 – 12:30pm-2:30pm
Items that are needed
Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, Hash, Spam etc); Soup; Pasta Sauce; Canned Fruit; Canned Vegetables; Cereal (All Different Types); Ketchup and Other Sauces and Condiments; Cooking Oils; Mac and Cheese; Pasta (preferably in boxes as bags do not stack well but we will take bags of pasta); Coffee and Tea; Baked Beans (to a lesser extent other beans); Peanut Butter; Jellies and Jams; Rice; Paper Towels; Toilet Paper; Feminine Hygiene Products; Soaps and Shampoos
This is the fast I desire … sharing your food with the hungry… Isaiah 5832
Organized by the Temple Sinai Social Action/Tikkun Olam Commitree
tikkun-olam@templesinaivt.org