Mitzvah Moments - November 2019
Your monthly news & updates
on how you can Tikkun Olam
Dear TBE Tikkun Olam Community,

In this week's torah portion, Noach , we read the story of the Tower of Babel. In brief, humanity tries to build a tower to the heavens in order to make a name for themselves. However, God condemns their arrogance - God scatters humanity around the world and gives them different languages so they cannot understand each other (and as Rabbi Sisenwine noted on Friday, so that they cannot recognize the words on the Tower of Babel).

And this is actually our status quo. I am not speaking about different nations or cultures, but rather between individuals. In the Torah, it is event noted that individuals after Babel cannot understand each other.

Throughout the month, we will interact with many people we don't fully understand. This of course happens when we are embarking on journeys to other places, such as the Civil Rights Tour in the south, or the trip to Israel that leaves today. But let us not forget the times on the street or at our dinner tables. Sometimes, we point to linguistic, cultural, or personal differences as obstacles that cannot be overcome. But I encourage you to instead see these differences as opportunities to bridge the divide and seek a "translation" - understanding.

We can create great things with words. They tried to build a tower to the heavens, as a monument to their own arrogance. We should instead build a world of tolerance, and this can be started not with a hammer or bricks, but with a friendly handshake, an open mind and a desire for mutual understanding.

L'Shalom


Sandy



**Please Note: this email may be too long for your email provider. Look for the "[Message clipped] View entire message" link at the bottom**
Responding to Antisemitism and Hate
Join Us!
Our new initiative on Responding to Antisemitism and Hate is planning to meet soon. If you are interested in attending our next meeting, sign up on the "doodle poll" at the link (Just write your name, and select the date(s) you are you available). Alternatively, reply to this email if you are interested in joining this initiative.
Civil Discourse
Help Develop Programs and Practices on Civil Discourse at TBE
Monday, November 25, 2019, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Members from all perspectives are invited and encouraged to join a conversation around developing programs and practices around civil discourse at TBE. All are welcome – Adults and our Youth community (middle & high school students in grades 6-12). Learn more and RSVP to Julie Kreiss at the link!
Tzedakah and Drives
In our Tzedakah Box this month 
Community Servings
Community Servings is a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. They give their clients, their dependent families, and caregivers appealing, nutritious meals, and send the message to those in greatest need that someone cares. Donate in our Tzedakah box in the atrium.
Also, be on the lookout for information on how you can support Community Servings by purchasing a pie!
What we are Collecting this Month
Winter Drives (November 15 - December 20)
Please place donations in the marked bins in the atrium:
  •  Clean, gently used ADULT winter coats and sweatshirts, all sizes welcome, but large sizes especially needed.  
  • Clean gently used backpacks
  • Clean, gently used CHILDREN’S winter outerwear including snow boots, snow pants, hats and gloves. Sized for elementary-aged students (grades K-5). 
  • NEW unwrapped toys for ages infant through teens. 
Recipient organizations include Jewish Family Services, Christmas in the City, Generic Ministry, ROFEH International and local hospitals.
Direct Community Service
Get Set to Serve Our Vets (CASA)
Thursday, November 7, 2019, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm; 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108 United States
Join the Community of Adult Social Action (CASA) when we honor and serve our Boston veterans at the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV). Volunteers will serve lunch, assist in clean-up and share in conversation with lunchtime guests.

NECHV is a national leader in housing and serving veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They serve 100,000 meals annually. Learn more and RSVP to Ilene Pincus at the link!
Volunteer with CASA at GBFB Mobile Market
Saturday, November 9, 2019, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Our Community of Adult Social Action (CASA) is volunteering with the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) through their innovative Mobile Market program. To reach neighbors in need in underserved communities, GBFB delivers high-quality, perishable food directly to partner sites, where it is set up on tables in a farmer’s market style. We will be involved in both setting up the Market and staffing the Market. This is a very meaningful opportunity that offers you a chance to work directly with those being served.. Learn more and RSVP to Barbara Turk at the link!
JF&CS Family Table Distribution
Sunday, November 17, 10:15 am
Come volunteer at New England's largest kosher food pantry, Family Table. During this volunteer opportunity, you will pack and deliver groceries for families in Greater Boston. To volunteer, please contact Jen Lawrence at the link ASAP.
Dreidel Dash & Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 8:15 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for our second annual Chanukah Celebration & Dreidel Dash 5K! Our community-wide Chanukah celebration will include a Dreidel Dash 5K Run/Walk and a Yaldeinu Dash and Junior Dash for our younger community members, a Dreidel Drash (“teach”) for our adult learners to exercise their minds with Chanukah study, and a Chanukah Festival with latkes, sufganyot (jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world on Chanukah), and fun activities for all ages.

All proceeds benefit the TBE Youth Engagement Fund, which helps our youth personalize their Jewish journeys without cost barriers.
Learn more and RSVP at the link!
Babson Financial Literacy Project Information Session
Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 7:00 pm
The Babson Financial Literacy Project (BFLP) is a non-for-profit organization that teaches important financial lessons to young adults through case-based workshops. Officially launched in November 2018, BFLP has served more than 500 people to date and has developed relationships with the Boston Public Library, City Year, Iron Mountain, Boston Public Schools, Wellesley College, Mass Bay Community College, and they are growing rapidly. If you are interested in being trained to run workshops designed to help young adults acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong financial prosperity and independence, contact TBE member Robin Kahn at the link!
Volunteer with our TBE Literacy Program
Ongoing
Do you love to read? Would you like to share your love of reading with children in a one-to-one setting? Please consider joining our Literacy team for a rewarding volunteer experience reading with a child (or two) in grades K to 4 for one hour during the week. Our Temple Beth Elohim Literacy Team is beginning its 21st year of volunteering at the Potter Road School, our partner school in Framingham. You choose any day that fits your schedule. No prior teaching experience is required…just a desire to help a child improve their reading skills. Learn more by contacting Wendy Cultice at the link.
Learning and Social Justice
GBIO Action on Healthcare (Monday Night!)
Monday, November 4, 7:00 pm, IBEW Local 103, 256 Freeport St, Dorchester
Join TBE and our partners in the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) as show our power to and engage with legislators to lower health care costs and improve quality and access to both physical and mental healthcare. The high costs of prescription drugs, access to mental health care and eliminating out-of-network surprise billing are all on the agenda for action. To join, please contact Deborah Argueta at the link. We will be carpooling!
In Case You Missed It
"The Climate Crisis"
Zachary Miller, a TBE teen, shares some takeaways from his participation in the Climate Strike as well as opportunities for us to make a difference. Learn more in the November Bulletin, page 3.
"Delivering Love & a Homecooked Meal"
Rachel Schneider reflects on the power of food and her role in the Caring Committee. Learn more in the November Bulletin, page 3.
"Find Myself"
Helene Kress reflects on her experience as a volunteer in our community's sanctuary efforts, supporting undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation. Learn more on TBE's new blog at the link!
"The Value of a Simple Nametag"
Aaron Levinger discusses his role in setting up name tags for Shabbat services, and the impact on himself and our community. Learn More on TBE's New blog at the link!
Save the Date
Homebuilding Trip to New Orleans
Sunday, January 5 - Friday, January 10, 2020
Join Cantor Sufrin and temple member John Solon as they lead a group of 10-14 TBE members in a meaningful hands-on mitzvah to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. We will volunteer with SBP, a New Orleans based nonprofit that rebuilds homes after disasters. No previous construction experience is needed. 
Jerusalem - A Travel Volunteer Experience
November 3 - November 15, 2020
Join Cantor Jodi Sufrin to live like a local in Jerusalem. You’ll stay local in furnished apartments in Jerusalem’s historic neighborhoods, explore the city, and experience two Shabbatot. While you’re there, volunteer in education, social service, and nonprofit settings.
Make a Difference with our Partners
Help us and our partners repair the world!
Be a Big Brother or Big Sister
What does it take to change a life? A few hours, twice a month. A favorite hobby. A trip to a
museum. A game of pick-up basketball. A shared meal or visit to the ice cream shop. Volunteer
with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston to change lives through the giving of
your time, your energy, and your passion. Be matched, 1:1, with a child looking for a mentor, or
an adult with disabilities looking for a friend. Learn more about how JBBBS has helped people
across Greater Boston. Volunteer today: Contact Tania Grey to be a big!
Volunteer at Centre Street Food Pantry in Newton
Centre Street Food Pantry's mission is to provide families with consistent access to nutritious food in a dignified and sensitive environment. As many as 85 families shop each time they open! They are looking for volunteers to help during pantry hours: Tuesdays 12:00-1:30 pm and 3:00-8:00 pm, and the first Saturday of the month 11:00am-2:00pm. Shifts are available in 2 hour increments and you can come as often or as little as you want. For more information, contact Risa Shames at the link. Contact Risa Shames for more information
Support TBE Members Doing Good Works
MAVEN Project - Doctors: Volunteer and make a differece
TBE Physicians - Retired, Semi-Retired, In Industry and In Practice: 
Use your clinical expertise and make a difference - join us for an easy, fun, flexible and rewarding opportunity! The MAVEN Project seeks primary and speciality care physicians to provide advice, mentorship, and education via telehealth technology to clinic providers working in underserved communities. Join TBE Member Lisa Bard Levine in this important opportunity! Click the link to learn more or volunteer.
Tikkun Olam Calendar! (NEW!)
Our new website allows us to have a calendar of all of our Tikkun Olam Opportunities, right on the website. In one central place, see how you can repair the world with TBE!
What are Mitzvah Moments?
This Mitzvah Moments monthly e-newsletter provides a monthly snapshot of upcoming Tikkun Olam events, with links to more information. The goal of the newsletter is to improve communication, lift awareness of Tikkun Olam events and provide opportunities for the TBE community to come together throughout the year to combine community, compassion and connection.

The ultimate goal of Tikkun Olam at TBE is to provide integrated “Mitzvah Moments” throughout the year which enable the whole temple community to participate in direct service opportunities, education about social justice, and/or collection drives—thereby linking our Jewish values to the act of doing/serving, compassionate giving, and affecting change—in ourselves and in the world around us. 
Tikkun Olam Youth and Community Organizer
Vice President of Tikkun Olam