For decades, the Social Action Committee has rallied Temple members to respond to needs within the Jewish community and the in community-at-large through awareness, advocacy, and service. From resettlement of Jews from the former Soviet Union, to assisting the poor and disadvantaged both locally and beyond, to interfaith observances, to environmental stewardship, to support for Israel, this committee is dedicated to engaging members of all ages in acts of Tikkun Olam (healing the world).

The Social Action Committee plans annual events such as the High Holiday Food drive, voter registration, Dinner in the Sukkah, and the Women’s Interfaith Forum and organizes group participation in the Community Soup Kitchen and collections of clothing, toiletries, schools supplies, used bicycles, baby items and more. Social Action activities are often conducted in cooperation with Sisterhood, Men’s Club, the religious school, Early School and the Israel Committee. The Social Action Committee welcomes new members to attend meetings, join in its on-going initiatives, and to help identify new directions and priorities.

           Janet O. Penn         Deborah Prinz, Chairs
           janpen@att.net       preher5@aol.com

 

 

---

Food Drive for CHOW Now!

The Social Action Committee is responding to the urgent need for donations of non-perishable foods and other staples by conducting another emergency food drive.

We are fortunate to be able to collaborate with Livingston’s St. Philomena’s church and their tireless community outreach person, Sister Barbara Thomas, who has organized CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse). Through this effort, necessary items are being collected from more local congregations, groups and businesses and stored at St. Philomena’s from where they are distributed to soup kitchens and food pantries in Newark, Orange and East Orange. The St. Philomena warehouse is also open to families on a drop-in basis, so that it can serve local residents as well.

In an effort to expand our reach to the Jewish poor of Essex County, in addition to our donations to CHOW, we will also make deliveries to the kosher food pantry housed at Oheb Shalom congregation in South Orange.

See the list below of items most needed by CHOW. Collection carts will be set up at both TBA entrances through April. Bring an item each time you come to the synagogue, or fill a grocery bag a few times over the coming weeks. Please contact Rabbi Kulwin if you prefer to participate in the food drive by making a monetary donation toward the purchase of most-needed items.

We hope that everyone will contribute to our food collection: students in the Early, Primary and Religious schools and confirmation class, adults attending services and synagogue meetings and activities, bar and bat mitzvah guests, etc. In tandem with Sisterhood’s Family Fund, this drive will make it possible for each of us to do something meaningful to help those who are in need.

 

For more information, contact Dave Harris at daveharris3@verizon.net

Items for food collection (UNOPENED packages only):

canned tuna

peanut butter

paper napkins

toilet tissue

paper towel

breakfast cereal

condiments

canned beans

dried beans

pasta

rice (white & brown)

pasta sauces

macaroni & cheese

powdered milk

canned fruit

canned vegetables

baby food

jelly & jam

---

 

 

Dinner in the Sukkah— It Isn't Easy Being Green

with TBA member Andrew Chalnick

 

click on photo to enlarge                            

High Holy Day Food Drive a Great Success!
Thank you to all who participated
David Harris, Food Drive Chair