As the weather turns warmer, most of us take advantage of the rising temperatures and the sunny days to become more active. Looking back on the three seasons passed, our social action committee members are fulfilled by all that Mishkan Tefila
accomplished, and more importantly, we are energized to do more!
Beginning in the fall with our support of “Connect Africa,” we donated much needed school supplies
to orphaned children in Uganda. Closer to home, we celebrated our 2nd annual CMT MITZVAH DAY in October by
making holiday cards for seniors, birthday boxes for under-privileged children, serving meals to the
homeless, gardening and building projects for group homes, and cleaning and organizing our beloved
shul, amongst numerous other projects.
As winter moved in, we collected toys for needy children and provided Hanukkah gifts for the Jewish Family and Children’s
Services Center for Family Assistance, and we donated monies to support a Hanukkah gift drive for IDF soldiers. Hopefully,
the soldiers also enjoyed our personalized holiday cards crafted on Mitzvah Day and sent to Israel for them.
The earthquake in Haiti was devastating, but continuing our tradition of Tikkun Olam, many congregants generously donated
warm weather clothing and diapers to help a Haitian relief organization.
As the temperature dropped even lower, we collected and distributed dozens of winter coats, boots and mittens for men, women
and children. Cradles to Crayons, The Long Island Shelter and various other local shelters were thankful recipients.
Acknowledging a need in the Temple community, several members joined together to establish a Caring Committee at Mishkan
Tefila. This dedicated group of volunteers offered to be available for phone calls to the sick or bereaved, provide rides to doctor
appointments or lend an ear or hand to a member in need.
Then, as the flowers of spring began to bloom, we at Mishkan continued our support for those who are still finding it hard to put
food on their dinner table. Our on-going support for Jewish Family and Children’s Services Family Table included donations of
Passover foods for Seders; and post–Passover, our cereal and soup collections continued to fill the cupboards of those in need.
In June, CMT volunteers will go out and deliver the groceries directly to JF &CS grateful recipients!
This spring we also supported the efforts in Israel to help fund water initiatives through collaboration with JNF’s “Essence of
Life” campaign. Yasher Koach to our Temple member, Murray Gorelick, who is spearheading this project.
And rounding out the year, hopefully, you’ve gathered your pennies to support our final spring Mitzvah of the Month ~ “Pennies
for Peace,” a program of the non-profit organization, Central Asia Institute. The mission of the Central Asia Institute is to help
children in Pakistan and Afghanistan have access to education where it never existed, as well as to broaden and enrich education
where it does exist in the developed world, so students have the opportunity to become more educated global citizens.
We believe this is an impressive demonstration of community members who are committed to social action. Yes, we did a lot -- and yes there is always more to be done.
Social Action encourages you to ask yourself: did I participate in any way? Could I have done more? Is there something of special interest to me?
Our response: Get involved, volunteer, and support our social action efforts at Mishkan Tefila. Your help
is needed and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to repair our world is a wonderful feeling!
This summer --- the choice of Mitzvot for June, July and August are yours alone to do!
We offer some suggestions:
Support Israel and
America with your money -Check labels to see where things are
made -- buy those items made in Israel and America first!
Go
green: ride your bicycle to do errands, recycle more, buy a water bottle (not bottled
water), use a recyclable shopping bag
instead of “paper or plastic,” change to LED light
bulbs, etc. Find ways to be green in your life, and help to save our planet.
Perform acts of loving kindness alone, with your family or with friends. Make note of the
mitzvot you
perform (walking for breast cancer, riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge, etc).
Please share your ideas, and your experience with others:
Send an email to Social Action Chair Lisa Ruby at lisaruby1@verizon.net and tell her about your
personal experiences. Let's us share your good deeds with the community, and, hopefully, your experiences will encourage others to perform similar mitzvot.
Send me your
ideas and plans of how you will take an active role in Social Action at Mishkan Tefila on an on-going basis.
Remember --- Social Action is always in Action at CMT!
Thank you for your continued support, and have a great summer! |
