Social Action at Temple Beth El 2007-08

Social Action activities in progress or planned for the year.

Continuing Social Action projects

Cell phone and ink-cartridge collection under way. To encourage recycling and “greening,” a box for unwanted cell phones has been placed in the Main Office. Phones will be donated – most likely to a woman’s shelter - where they will be reactivated and reused. Sisterhood and the Temple are also collecting used computer ink cartridges for recycling.

High Holy Day food drive. Our congregants donated more than 200 bags of groceries for the needy. In addition to stocking our own pantry to feed those in need, we donated 350 lbs. of food to the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) and an additional 350 pounds to the TriCommunity pantry.

Children’s High Holy Day drive. Children brought donated toiletries for our Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative (HIHI) program.

Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative - Beginning Nov. 21. For the third consecutive year, Temple Beth El will be a respite center on Wednesdays for the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative (HIHI). Our supply drive is underway. See Temple bulletin for a list of needs. Volunteers are needed, especially for overnight duties and for morning cleanup. Sign-up board is in the atrium. This year we will be coordinating a photography project for our guests, and the Family Service League will be introducing a new breakfast program.

Community Thanksgiving Feast.TBE’s annual holiday feast and celebration for our community continues this year on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 pm. Watch for notices in the bulletin for volunteers to help in the kitchen, serve, drive, bake, clean up and work in the clothing ‘boutique.’ Click here for more info, including a list of baby and children items that we’d love to have donated.

Spaghetti Dinner. Our annual spaghetti dinner, another community favorite, is scheduled for a Sunday in April. More details to follow.

New Social Action projects

Nothing But Nets. We are participating with the Union for Reform Judaism in this worldwide initiative, whereby the URJ has committed to supplying 50,000 bed nets for sub-Saharan African communities to protect families from mosquitoes transmitting malaria. A $10 contribution goes directly towards the purchase, distribution, and monitoring of an insecticide-treated bed net. More information to follow or visit URJ.org and follow the links.

Yvonne Cohen Memorial Walk. A congregant with a daughter in the religious school has proposed a fundraising walk in memory of Yvonne Cohen to be held in the spring. Discussions are underway.

Letter-writing campaign and possible collection of goods to the troops in Iraq. Watch for a collection box and additional information to appear shortly.