Social Action Committee Newsletter (October – November 2013)

Dear Friends,

In the middle of the Tisane’s menu there is a famous quote by George Bernard Shaw that says “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” As Jews we know this to be fact, but unfortunately there are many in our community who do not have the means to have a good nosh, or even provide for their families. This year Social Action has decided to “adopt” Foodshare and put our efforts into mitzvot directed towards feeding the hungry.

During the High Holy days congregants were extremely generous in food and monetary donations. You can see just how generous by clicking here. Thousands of people will not go hungry as a result of these generous contributions, and we thank you for your outstanding efforts.

On Sunday, October 6, we will be having an apple picking outing at Rogers Orchard in Southington as our October Mitzvah of the Month. We will be leaving from the Temple promptly after Sunday School (ll:45 a.m.) and driving together to the farm. There is nothing more fun than picking apples with family and friends, and all apple donations will be distributed to Foodshare.

If you are interested in helping to collect food from local grocery stores and bringing them to local shelters please contact Social Action new-message24 and come to our training in October. Volunteers should be able to collect and distribute food during the weekdays. Collections can either be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

In November we will be doing our annual Turkey and a $20 collection. Collection day will be Sunday, November 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please bring your donations to the Temple during that time period. We can make arrangements if you need to drop them off ahead of time. All contributions are greatly appreciated, and in the past we have raised over $2,000 and 40 turkeys! Let us see how generous we can be this year.

Our Mitzvah of the Month for November will be the annual coat drive. Boxes will be set up in the lobby from November 1 through November 24. All donations go to a local cleaners, who will wash and distribute gently worn coats for all ages and sizes.

Our Knitzvah group is under new management, but still going strong. Please join our group knits, or donate squares, gloves, scarves, and hats to various causes.

Our dates for assisting with making meals at the Mercy Shelter for 2014 are:

  • January 19
  • February 16
  • March 16
  • April 20
  • May 18
  • June 15
  • July 20
  • Aug. 17
  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16
  • December 21

If you and your family are interested in helping to prepare meals for the shelter please contact Social Action new-message24 to set up a date.

Our committee meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of every month, at 7:00 p.m. Please join us! Our next two meetings are October 15 and November 18. We love new brain power. As always, feel free to contact Social Action new-message24 with suggestions, questions, or comments.

l’Shalom

Sarah Maltese, Social Action Chair new-message24