Social Action
Social Action does not refer to parties and social outings, but has more to do with social justice. The Temple Emanuel Social Action Committee is responsible for organizing and implementing collection of Tzedakah monies, and making sure the Temple's greatest asset, its congregants, is invested sufficiently in the process of "Tikkun Olam" -- healing the world. Anyone who listens to the news or reads the paper will realize that Tikkun Olam is more than a concept -- it is an absolute necessity for our society and our planet, and a requisite activity for living an ethical and compassionate life.Whether you're feeling up, down, disconnected, lucky, or can't remember the last time you had your heart warmed up, why not spend a little time volunteering? The folks who participate in the IHN, Ram House cooking, and the Blood Drive are some of the funnest, most big-hearted people you will ever meet -- anywhere! Their merriment is contagious (but the puns some of them come up with...oy!)
If you enjoy donating to the Tzedakah Box, but find that you are either not able to get to the box, or you just want to simplify your life, Feel free to send a monthly check to Temple Emanuel. Be sure to memo it to the Tzedakah Fund!
Social Action 2005 Update
Within a few days after Hurricane Katrina, the Social Action Committee informed the entire Temple Emanuel community by a mass mailing of several ways to contribute funds to the URJ Hurricane Relief Fund. Through individual contributions and a Board allocation, we raised approximately $5000. Anyone who has not yet contributed but wishes to do so may send a check to Temple Emanuel earmarked for hurricane relief.
Also, during the High Holy Days our community traditionally contributes canned goods and other non-perishable products to RAM House. This year, with the assistance of the SCOTTY Youth Group, we contributed one ton of food products to help feed the needy in the Roanoke Valley. Many thanks to Sarah Cohen and other SCOTTY members for weighing and loading the goods on Yom Kippur, and to Steve Davidson and Mark Black for transporting the goods to RAM House.
Finally, any member who wishes to help the needy in the Roanoke Valley or in Israel should either deposit money in our Tzedakah Box near the entrance to the sanctuary, or mail a check to Temple Emanuel designated for the Tzedakah Fund in the memo portion of your check.
-- Mark Black, Social Action Chair
RAM House Food Drive previous results:
2004: 1,500 pounds of
non-perishable goods + $565 cash
2003: 1,987 pounds
2002: 970 pounds plus $276
Thank you to all who donated food and gave money and volunteered, it's a wonderful effort and result.
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Please click on a link to learn more about Temple Emanuel's Social Action activities
Interfaith Hospitality Network | RAM House cooking
Kroger Bucks | Annual Blood Drive
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
links (RAC):
See
what other congregations are doing for Social Action or
URJ Social Action Update (updated twice monthly)
