Your monthly news & updates
on how you can Tikkun Olam
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Dear TBE Tikkun Olam Community,
As we continue to practice "social distancing" we must remind ourselves that we still have power to affect change, and make a difference in people's lives - even from home. As our tradition tells us, "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it." (Pirkei Avot - 2:21).
Below I have listed some Tikkun Olam opportunities in which I hope you will engage. Note that some of these require travel, and so I urge you to take the necessary precautions. If you know of other opportunities, please send them to me.
I have created a "live" google document with all of these opportunities as well
. As we continue to adapt to the ever changing situation, there will always be ways to repair our world.
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**
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In our Tzedakah Box this month
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An organization of your choice
Covid-19 has severely affected mission-driven organizations across the world. Social services have been reduced or suspended, limiting their ability to help and work with people in need. Additionally, these organizations have had to alter their development efforts, including canceling fundraising events that would bring in critical funds. TBE has many partners, and we don't want to play favorites - all of these organizations deserve a donation. Please consider contributing to an organization that you believe in. They really need you.
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What we are Collecting this Month
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Family Table - Bring them much needed items!
Family Table is Greater Boston's only Jewish food pantry. As a community, each month we are responsible for supplying 50
cans of salmon
and
50
boxes of whole grain cereal
for families in need.
Since we won't be able to drop off these items at TBE, please consider purchasing and bringing them directly to their location (or purchase the items online and ship to them). Their address is Jewish Family and Children's Service, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451.
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RJI Quarterly Meeting – Hot Topic: Reparations
Monday, March 23, 7:00 pm
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Join our Racial Justice Initiative in a conversation with Michael Curry, National NAACP Board Director, about reparations. Did you know that the US House of Representatives recently held a hearing on a bill about reparations? And that the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) just passed a resolution on it as well? Why now? What forms can reparations take? What precedents and other models have been used? We look forward to hearing from Michael Curry about this important issue.
RSVP and join remotely at the link!
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Book Club: Rising Out of Hatred by Eli Saslow
Wednesday, March 25, 7:30 pm
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This month we discuss RISING OUT OF HATRED by Eli Saslow, the powerful story of how a prominent white supremacist changed his heart and mind. This event is cosponsored with the Racial Justice Initiative. RSVP and join remotely at the link!
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Remote Phonebank for the Work and Family Mobility Act
Wednesday, March 25
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Join the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA) for a virtual phonebank in support of the Work and Family Mobility Act. This legislation would make it possible for all residents of Massachusetts (regardless of immigration status) to obtain a license. This is particularly critical in a time when taking public transportation is being discouraged, yet immigrants fear driving because they could be subject to deportation.
RSVP to David at the link!
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Green Team Zoom Conversation
Thursday, April 2, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
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Join our Green Team as we fight for a more sustainable synagogue and community, and literally repair our world. Learn more on our website and RSVP to
Sheryl Goodridge at the link!
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Volunteer with TBE's Caring Community
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TBE's Caring Community is looking for volunteers to reach out to TBE members! Learn more and support our community by
contacting Robin Kalis at the link!
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Mentor First Generation College Students
With Jewish Family Service Metrowest and MassBay
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JFS of Metrowest’s Pathways to College Success program is looking for mentors to help students at MassBay Community College remove their barriers to academic success and improve professional prospects. The program focuses on immigrant and first generation students in the business program at MassBay and is a great way for professionals and retired professionals to "meet" young people and help them accomplish their academic and professional goals. They have three opportunities:
- Remote Academic Support: Help students adjust to online learning by having weekly or biweekly 10-20 minute calls with the student to make sure they are doing what they need to do.
- Project Mentorship: Provide feedback and guidance to students will be working on individual final projects.
- Informational Interviews: Have an informational interview with students to enhance their networking skills, and grow their learning of the field.
Volunteers will be supported by both MassBay and JFS.
Contact Natalie at the link to learn more!
Click here
to learn about all of JFS's volunteer opportunities
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Pack Food Deliveries for Food Pantries and Meals Programs.
With the Greater Boston Food Bank
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As a food distribution facility that acquires and distributes millions of pounds of food for our neighbors in need across Eastern Massachusetts, the Greater Boston Food Bank is a critical front-line first responder for our neighbors in need. They are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of our community. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, click the link!
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Make Sure our Most Vulnerable Populations Can Eat
With Food For Free
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Food For Free is mobilizing a volunteer team to make sure our most vulnerable populations still get food. If you are willing to assist in a safe way during this challenging time, click the link!
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Tell Congress to Pass Coronavirus Relief
With the United Way (and other nonprofits)
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Call and write to congress and urge them to pass comprehensive legislation to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, helping people who rely on Medicaid and federal food programs.
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Donate Blood
With the American Red Cross
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Right now, American Red Cross and other organizations face a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma. According to the Red Cross, There is no evidence that the new virus can be transmitted through blood transfusion.
Go donate blood with the Red Cross at the link!
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Michaela Nesson reflects on her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru.
Read more in the April bulletin, Page 4
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Ethan Diamondstein's Dvar Torah
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We’re so proud of our b’nei mitzvah students and families for persevering and showing resilience in uncertain times. This week,
Ethan Diamondstein teaches us about his Torah portion, Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Exodus 35:1–40:38, and how our tradition reminds us to take care of the most vulnerable.
Watch his Dvar Torah on the TBE Blog!
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"Striving for Sustainability"
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Beverly Rich, member of our TBE Green Team, shares how she is working to literally repair the world by creating a more sustainable synagogue, home, and community.
Read more on the TBE Blog!
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If you are isolated, or in need of help, please let us know.
Please contact Rabbi Saphire, rsaphire@tbewellesley.org.
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Tikkun Olam Calendar! (NEW!)
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Our new website allows us to have a calendar of all of our Tikkun Olam Opportunities. In one central place, see how you can repair the world with TBE! Be sure to click "next events" to see all of the opportunities.
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What are Mitzvah Moments?
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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.
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Tikkun Olam Youth and Community Organizer
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Vice President of Tikkun Olam
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