Social Action | Tikkun Olam

Social Action | Tikkun Olam תיקון עולם

Repairing the World
 

The Social Action Committee at The Community Synagogue is part of K’lal Yisrael, the entire Jewish community. We pursue tzedek (justice) and perform mitzvot (commandments) to translate the words of Torah into the works of our hands. We strive to become partners with God in Tikkun Olam – repairing the world both within the local community and outside its boundaries.

To participate please contact our Social Action Chair: Renee Karmel rkarmel@aol.com

Current Social Action Projects
 

Support Local Food Pantries

With the economics of the pandemic still affecting many of our local neighbors, there is an ongoing need to address the issue of food insecurity. The food pantries of Port Washington have seen a large increase in the number of families coming to them to meet their weekly grocery needs.

We ask that you please think of our less fortunate local neighbors who are challenged to put food on their table. When making your own grocery list, please add some items on the below list and bring them to one of the Port Washington pantries during the stated hours.

Delivery Locations, Contact Information, and Hours
PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE OF DELIVERY

St. Vincent Relief

The Afya Foundation has an ongoing effort to support those displaced due to the volcanic eruption of La Soufrière. More than 100,000 residents are in danger from pyroclastic flows, volcanic ash, and a lack of food and water supplies. Nearly 20,000 people have already been displaced. 

Donations can be dropped at the front doors of The Community Synagogue, donations can be purchased through Afya's Amazon Wish List, and financial contributions can be made here. 
For a list of needed supplies, click here. 

HIAS Device Collection

For the next couple of months, we will be collecting smart phones, iPads, and Chromebooks on behalf of HIAS who will give them to their refugee clients entering the United States.

There are two receptacles in the vestibule, just inside the main synagogue entrance, for donations –      one for phones & one for iPads and Chromebooks.

Please sanitize your device, then place it in a plastic bag along with the charger, if available, before placing in the receptacle.
To sanitize your device, use a lint-free cloth or cotton ball (avoid rougher material, like a paper towel, that can scratch and avoid abrasive cleaning wipes). Apply 70% rubbing alcohol to the cloth or cotton ball, not to the screen. Never spray any liquid on your phone and never use bleach.

Prior to donation, for removal of stored data and personal information, we strongly encourage you to wipe your device clean, following the instructions pertinent to your specific device.

Please note that you must be buzzed in to enter the building. 

HIAS is an international Jewish humanitarian organization that provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers in 16 countries.  They advocate for the rights of all forcibly displaced people to rebuild their lives and seek to create a world in which they find safety, opportunity and welcome. Learn more at HIAS.org.

Ongoing Social Action Projects

• Community Dinners: On a quarterly basis, we hold sit down dinner/dances on Saturday nights for local residents who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a night out. 
• Ongoing Efforts to End Genocide: The Brotherhood of The Community Synagogue is engaged in acts of consciousness raising, education and action to end genocide.  To support their efforts and that of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, click here. If you are interested in obtaining the image as a banner (9' x 3') please contact Steve Kaplan at skaplan-commsyn@usa.net. 
• Holiday Toy and Personal Item Drive: The Sisterhood of The Community Synagogue, in conjunction with the Religious School, the Early Childhood Center, our POWTY teens and our entire synagogue family, is collecting toys for organizations serving children and families in need. 
• Thanksgiving Basket: Assemble baskets to be delivered to those in need. Register with Bari Ziegel at 516-762-5830. Sponsored by the UJA-Federation of NY.
• Supplies for Success: Backpacks Help sort and assemble backpacks for disadvantaged children.
• HIAS Refugee Assistance: TCS in coordination with the HIAS-New York team, is offering four working committee opportunities with which to become involved. Read more here