Monthly Newsletter: May 2022 |
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Welcome to our monthly Values in Action (VIA Isaiah) newsletter: Your quick guide to improving our community and the world at Temple Isaiah. For the newsletter archive, click here.
VIA ISAIAH IS…a collection of groups within Temple Isaiah who offer opportunities to temple members to serve those in need and to make our community more just through education, advocacy and direct service. Our efforts are grounded in the Jewish values of tikkun olam, repairing the world. Everyone is welcome and needed in this effort. For details of what we do and who to contact, please click here.
“Seek peace with your friend and pursue it with your enemy. Seek it in your place and pursue it in other places. Seek it with your body and pursue it with your money. Seek it for yourself and pursue it for others. Seek it today and pursue it tomorrow. And do not despair saying, “I will never achieve peace,” but pursue it until you do.”
–Yehiel b.Yekutiel, Sefer Maalot Hamiddot
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Our next VIA monthly committee meeting will be held
Thursday, May 5 at 7pm on Zoom (first Thursdays of the month). All are invited. Please get involved! There’s a lot of repair to do and it’s more fun and meaningful doing it in community.
Topic: VIA Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 5 at 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 870 3266 1338
Passcode: justice11
Join by phone at (408) 638-0968.
Mark your calendar for these VIA meeting dates (first Thursdays at 7pm on Zoom):
- June 2
- August 4 (possibly a meet and greet with our new rabbi, Rabbi Lawrence)
- September 1
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Vote in the Primaries on June 7 and be informed on your choices. Visit the Contra Costa County Elections website for information on Voting Registration and Voting Options including resources for voting by mail, how to register to vote, voting rights, official ballot drop boxes, voting on or before election day, and looking up your personal voting information. For other information, including current elections, visit current elections.
Get Out the Vote GOTV Engagement for Voter Protection. Write postcards the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month in the TI Social Hall 4:30-6pm. We will write to voters to educate and empower the under-represented voters by encouraging early voting. Bring a friend and join us! This is open to the public. Current Temple Isaiah mask and vaccination policies will apply. Contact: Judy Carney judy.carney0@gmail.com, Leslie Shafton leslieshafton1@gmail.com or Adina Zinn adina@loveyourwork.com
Bay Area Bike to Work Day is May 20. Bike to Work Day is just around the corner. With gas prices at an all-time high, and workers returning to offices, now is the perfect time to commit to a two-wheeled commute. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just getting started, it’s not too early to start preparing for Bike to Work Day on May 20 and check 511 Contra Costa’s Bike Mapper.
Creating a Community of Belonging: Embracing Diversity & Deepening Racial Understanding Temple Isaiah’s Racial Justice and Diversity Initiative is presenting a series of programs to promote racial justice, diversity, and inclusion within our Temple and in the larger community. This is a 4-part series with Lori Watson, Ed.D., Racial Equity Consultant & Facilitator, Founder & C.E.O. of Race-Work, a national leader in this field who will be our guide. The Temple Board, clergy, and staff will join congregants in these programs, helping to enrich the conversation and create a shared learning experience for the whole TI community. IN PERSON Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 7pm in the Social Hall
This series is free thanks to generous support from the WOI Maagal Tzedakah Fund and Rabbi LeVine's discretionary fund.
Join the Religious Action Center (RAC) Call Congress to establish a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. The RAC is currently advocating for H.R. 40 would address the vestiges of enslavement and the ongoing, anti-Black racial oppression that remains throughout every part of American society. We remain committed to racial justice and equity. Learn more https://rac.org/take-action/rac-your-state/rac-ca
Angel Network is a caring community of volunteers dedicated to offering comfort and support to members and their families in times of need. When a need arises, please call the Temple office at (925) 283-8575. For more details, visit https://temple-isaiah.org/values-in-action/angel-network/
WAYS TO DONATE FOR UKRAINE:
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WUPJ (the World Union for Progressive Judaism) has created its Ukraine Crisis Fund to support the Ukrainian Jewish community. Donate to the WUPJ here.
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Our local Federation’s Ukraine Emergency Fund where 100% of donations will go to support relief and rescue efforts through the JDC (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee). You can donate here.
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HIAS (the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) has worked in Ukraine for decades. Learn how they are helping Ukrainians as they cross into Poland and donate to their Ukraine crisis response here.
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The Women of Reform Judaism's YES Fund is providing emergency assistance to those in need. To make a designated gift, please visit https://wrj.org/donate-wrjand select "YES Fund - Ukrainian Support Donation."
Join the Multi-faith ACTION Coalition as we advocate to tackle the root causes of poverty. People from all faith backgrounds meet to identify issues, research potential solutions, and advocate by meeting with elected local and state officials, attending legislative visits, supporting bills, and writing letters. Contact Doug Leich, leichd@gmail.com to be connected with the task forces you wish to join. https://www.multifaithactioncoalition.org/newsletter/2022/
Help Prepare Food for Our Neighbors in Need. First Baptist Church Pittsburg - Soup Kitchen. Operates Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9am. Currently drive through but transitioning to in-person. Volunteers needed. To read more and sign up to help, visit https://www.fbpcares.org/foodpantry/ Contact Susan Rideout for questions. rideout@sbcglobal.net
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Be inspired and read or listen to this cantor’s take on her personal awakening to racism in our country and the Jewish call to work towards racial justice. Referencing Shir HaShirim, Song of Songs chanted on the Shabbat at Passover, the article is called Awakening the World with Love. Short, inspiring and worth your time. https://truah.org/resources/dara-rosenblatt-pesach-moraltorah/
Get involved in Bay Area Environmental Actions. Receive useful information regarding local Bay Area actions and events dedicated to fighting the climate crisis https://350contracosta.org
2022 WRJ Reproductive Health & Rights Resource Guide is intended to help all Reform women - in congregations, women's groups, and/or as individuals - mobilize and advocate for reproductive health and rights in their communities. Download and join this critically important work! Reproductive Health & Rights Resource Guide 2022
Learn What Jews of Color Experience. Jews of Color face discomfort at synagogues. Learn about their experiences so Temple Isaiah can become a more welcoming place to all.
“Here I Am” is a new initiative demonstrating the vibrancy, diversity and values of the Bay Area Jewish community through grassroots storytelling videos that seek to bring light to personal experiences with antisemitism and educate our neighbors how to be Jewish allies in these times. Get more information https://www.hereiamstories.org/
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Putting Colors to Emotions In celebration of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Temple Isaiah Mental Health & Wellness is excited to offer a one-time art class, taught by Heather Howe, where she will guide us through artistic expression, reflection, and peace. May 12, 7-8:30pm, TTC 205 in the Art Room. Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4dafad2aa5f49-putting
Two Days of Mindfulness in Nature Join Temple Isaiah Mental Health & Wellness as we learn and implement mindfulness exercises while taking a walk to the Lafayette Reservoir from Temple Isaiah's Bus Shelter lower parking lot. Bring water and register here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4dafad2aa5f49-putting1 for Sunday, May 15th and Sunday, May 22, 2pm.
A New Kind of Mindfulness through Laughter with Sara Duckler. Temple Isaiah member Sara Duckler will lead us in a series of easy, short, non-competitive, spontaneous games. Sitting back and watching is always an option – you only play the games that you want to play. What better way to connect than to relax, laugh and be yourself in community? It’s all about learning to listen, accept and build something bigger and better, together. Giggles are 100% guaranteed! Time: Wednesday, May 25, 7-8:30pm
TRUE COLORS Celebrating Jews of Color True Colors, a salon theatre show, in which Jews of Color share true stories about their yearning for belonging and the rich and complicated question that is identity. While all people face challenges and struggles, Jews of Color have many touching and unique stories to tell about resilience, self-respect, and celebrating the many colors and voices in our community. Here’s a brief video about the program: here is the promo trailer. This program is sponsored by Temple Isaiah Values in Action DEI Taskforce. Go here to learn more and RSVP.
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Mental Health Support for Adults: Second Sundays from 3-5pm online. Whether you are struggling with Covid, going through a difficult period or have ongoing mental health issues, join us for our free monthly drop-in support group. We provide an opportunity to share and support one another as part of a nonjudgmental, caring community.
Mental Health Support for Family Members: Fourth Mondays from 7-8:30pm online. Are you a parent, sibling, or child of an adult with mental health issues? This free drop-in support group provides information as well as the opportunity to share and support each other as you learn to help your loved one. Facilitated by licensed clinical social worker, Rosemarie Frydman, NAMI certified trainer Karen Cohen, and Diana MaKieve.
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To contribute information to this monthly VIA newsletter, please contact co-editors
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