These have been very busy months for the Social Action Committee. First off, we now have two new members: Bobbie Rosenthal and Carol Levine. Thanks and welcome to you both.
We started off in Oct. with The Sukkah of Shalom where members and friends of our community spoke about their personal experiences as members of the LGBTQ community. It was a very meaningful event and as a result we have formed a sub-committee of the SAC called Keshet (rainbow) to plan activites and discuss ways to make Beth Ami a truly welcoming community to our LGBTQ members and friends. The group is co-chaired by Cheryle Miller and Henry Cohn.
We are ending the Winter Clothing Drive of collecting warm clothes, accessories and blankets for those in need during the cold winter months. This is a joint activity of the Social Action Committees of Beth Ami and Shomrei Torah. Thanks for all of you who went through your closets. The distribution will be at Elisha’s Pantry on three dates: Thurs. Dec.3, Thurs. Dec.10, Thurs, Dec.17th from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Stay as long as you are able. If you would like to help please call Lyla Nathan at 707-526-7438.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank has a wonderful industrial kitchen and a terrific chef. On the first Wed. of the month, some of us have been working in the kitchen. It reminds me very much of working in the kitchen on kibbutz. It is mostly being a sous chef (lots of chopping and cleaning) but I really enjoy it. Others—mostly Susan Miller, Lenore Holloway and Linda Emblen—pack fruits or veggies. Either way, it is a mitzvah to help at the food bank. They provide such a service to those in need of supplemental food. Please consider volunteering. The next scheduled dates are: Wed. Dec. 2, Wed. Jan. 6, and Wed. Feb. 3. All from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
If you can’t make those times you can always show up any day and just register at the office and sign in for CBA. Remember that you need closed-toed shoes. Thanks.
At the Annual Fammy Gala Fundraiser for JFCS, our SAC along with other groups in the Bay Area , will be honored for their work providing food to the food pantry at JFCS. We will be part of a short film that will be shown at the Gala. The Gala is a huge fundraiser for JFCS, held at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco on Feb. 27th. Maybe a few members can support this worthwhile event.
Big thanks to the committee and the Beth Ami community for continuing to bring healthy food to the synagogue for the pantry. Remember, they need low sodium and gluten free products.
Mark your calendars: On the evening of Friday Feb. 5th, we will have a special speaker, Doris Nelson. She will be speaking about the creation of the Village Movement in Sonoma County which links older adults with community services they need to continue living at home. There is a very active village in Petaluma. More information to follow.
The Social Action Committee is committed to working together to make for a better world, one mitzvah at a time. Please join us!
