For decades, the Social Action Committee has rallied Temple members to respond to needs in the Jewish community and the in community—at—large through awareness, advocacy, and service. From assisting the poor and disadvantaged, to interfaith dialogue, to environmental stewardship and 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’s Green Team is currently leading the congregation in pursuit of environmental certification encompassing building practices, education, worship, and community outreach—from the interfaith coalition, GreenFaith.

The committee also plans the annual Dinner in the Sukkah and Women’s Interfaith Forum, and organizes collections of food, clothing, toiletries, books, bicycles, baby items and more. The Social Action Committee often collaborates with Sisterhood, Men’s Club, the religious school, Early School and Confirmation Class. The 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

 

 

 

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Annual High Holy Day Food Drive 

While poverty is no stranger to our area, the current financial climate has created more individuals and families in need than in many decades.  Every local soup kitchen and food bank struggles with reduced supply and increased demand. 

Food will be donated to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), which is based at St. Philomena’s Church, Livingston, The Community Food Bank, Hillside and The Oheb Shalom Congregation Kosher Food Pantry, South Orange (for distribution to needy Jews who keep kosher). 

 Make this a family mitzvah by involving your children in choosing the items, packing the bag, and bringing it in. Surely we all agree on the critical need at present…wouldn’t it be wonderful if each of us, even in a small way, would participate?

Below is a list of the most needed items.  If you prefer to make a monetary contribution toward this effort, please contact Rabbi Kulwin directly at ckulwin@tbanj.orgor 973.994.2290. The grocery bags donated were by Kings & Shop Rite of LivingstonFor any other questions, contact Dave Harris of the Social Action Committee at daveharris3@verizon.netor 973.656.9415.

Items for food collection (Unopened, unexpired packages only)

Toilet Tissue, Paper Towels, Paper Napkins,  Breakfast Cereal, Macaroni & Cheese, Pasta Rice (White & Brown), Canned Fruit Canned Vegetables, Baby Food, Canned Tuna, Fishes & Meats, Peanut Butter, Canned Soup, Canned and/or Dried Beans, Pasta Sauces, Condiments, Powdered Milk and Jelly & Jam

As an additional contribution, how about those little soaps and bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, hand lotion, and mouthwash you’ve collected from the hotels when you went on vacation?  If you have any, please put them in a plastic bag and donate them for distribution to the homeless.