This has been another busy year for the Social Action Committee. We had many successful events and ongoing projects.
We started off the New Year with conversations at both Rosh Ha Shana services and on the break at Yom Kippur services. These always see to be meaningful and a way for members to get to know each other better and reconnect ..
During Succot we had ” The Succah of Shalom” where we celebrated our LGBTQI community and heard the moving stories from various members and people in our community . As a result of the event, we have formed the Keshet Committee, co-chaired by Henry Cohn and Arnold Drake. On Sunday June 5th many members and friends marched in the Gay Pride parade in Guernville.
During the winter we took on the project of preparing bags of food and hygiene items to hand out to the homeless. The congregation really helped by bringing their sample size products like shampoo, toothpaste,socks etc. We also filled womens’ purses with needed items. We received some very positive feedback from members about the response they received from people. This was a very successful mitzvah project and I am sure that we will do it again next year.
We also had our winter clothing drive which is a joint event with Congregation Shomrei Torah. Thanks to everyone who brought lightly used blanket, jackets sweaters. Start saving for next year .
In February, our SAC was recognized and honored for our work at the Jewish Family and Childrens Services Gala, the”Fammy Awards”. We were recognized along with the other food pantries in the Bay Area that provide healthy food to their clients. Susan Miller, Lyla Nathan and Lenore Holloway represented our committee at the grand event. We go monthly and get food at the food bank and stock it at the JFCS pantry.
We continue to collect food for the JFCS pantry. The bins in the foyer are filled throughout the year , not just during the High Holiday Drive. Thanks once more for everyone at Beth Ami who contribute to this worthy endeavor frequently. As we say, hunger is not seasonal.
We also continue to volunteer at the Redwood Empire Food Bank monthly. The first Wed. of every month we go and either work in the kitchen or help bag fruit and veggies. We would love for anyone to join us. It is a great way to help and also become better friends. The next volunteer day Wed. is July 6th. We often have our young members join us in the summer. Looking forward to seeing you again this year.
The Soup Sisters didn’t make too much soup this year but this month we are transforming into “the Kugel Sisters” and will be making kugel for those in Beth Ami Community who need a little TLC.
We are always welcoming to those who want to join our committee. We have a lot of fun and we do a lot of good. Any questions, please contact Lyla Nathan: 526-7438. Hope to hear from you.
The committee members include: Susan Miller, Ellen Mundell, Judi Hyman, Tish Levy, Lenore Holloway, Bobbie Rosenthal, Lyla Nathan, Cheryle Miller, Karen Herskovic, Roz Edelson, Leah Frost and Rabbi Miller.
