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Social Action We share a deep commitment to repairing our worldAs members of Sherith Israel, and as Jews, our call to social justice is strong. Our inspiration is rooted in Pirke Avot, Wisdom of the Ancestors, which teaches us that the world stands on three things: Torah, worship and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). You can help by feeding the hungry, teaching children to read, supporting our troops and meeting with congregants to forge the next chapter in Sherith Israel’s long history of social action. Information: David Morgenstein, social action committee chair, 415.846.2172 or davemorgenstein@gmail.com. HaMotzi HaMotzi is the blessing said before eating bread. At Sherith Israel we are mindful of those who do not have enough to eat. Since 1993, every Sunday morning, a dedicated group of adults and  children has prepared complete, nutritious meals in our Newman Hall kitchen. Today we package and deliver 150 meals to the city Women’s Shelter and Compass Family Center for needy families. Information: Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, or nsgomes@sherithisrael.org. Chicken Soupers Once a month on a Sunday morning, volunteers staff our Newman Hall kitchen to prepare and cook several days’ worth of meals for homebound seniors and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. A short visit with the person receiving the meals makes this activity personal and rewarding. This program is a cooperative effort with Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Information: Jody Hurwitz, 415.759.5942. Mitzvah Day The idea of tikkun olam (repairing the world) is the essence of Mitzvah Day, held twice each year. Religious School students and their parents spend a Sunday morning doing service projects around San Francisco. Mitzvah Day teaches the values essential to our heritage and puts into action what is taught in our classrooms. The success of Mitzvah Day depends on dedicated volunteers. Although Mitzvah Day is coordinated through the Religious School, every congregant, of any age, is welcome. Information: Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, or nsgomes@sherithisrael.org. Jewish Coalition for Literacy To help promote reading and literacy, Sherith Israel volunteers read to at-risk elementary school children at the Tenderloin Community School in one of San Francisco’s most underprivileged neighborhoods. This rewarding program is offered in conjunction with the Bay Area Jewish Coalition for Literacy, an affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Information: Sandy Kovtun, 415.661.3954 or srkovtun@gmail.com; Janet Parker, 415.282.1495 or jparkersf@hotmail.com. Support Our Troops To raise our consciousness as a congregation, and to honor the service of American military personnel around the world, we take a moment at Shabbat services to read aloud the names of those who died that week in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, Sherith Israel is considering a variety of grassroots, community opportunities to help returning troops, such as job training and promoting employer awareness. We welcome your interest and ideas. Information: David Morgenstein, 415.846.2172 or davemorgenstein@gmail.com.  Panim el Panim (Face to Face) Listening CampaignSherith Israel is a proud member of the San Francisco Organizing Project — 30 congregations, schools and community centers operating in 17 San Francisco neighborhoods. With the help of SFOP, the social action committee and other congregants meet with temple members one-on-one and in small groups. We discuss concerns and dreams for planning future social action at CSI. The next steps involve choosing one or two projects that are policy-oriented on a local level and complement our existing community mitzvah projects, such as HaMotzi and Chicken Soupers. Information: Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, 415.346.1720, x25, or rabbijst@sherithisrael.org. |
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