Monthly Newsletter: April 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.
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands—one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” - Audrey Hepburn, British actress and humanitarian
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Our next VIA monthly committee meeting will be held
Thursday, April 7 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, April 7 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):
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Get Out the Vote GOTV Engagement for Voter Protection. We will use information from the non-partisan group, The Center for Common Ground, to write postcards each 1 and 3 Monday in the TI Social Hall 4:30-6pm starting April 4. We will write to voters in Georgia 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
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.
Shelter Dinners for the Mountain View Shelter will take place the week of April 25. We won’t be cooking dinners this time but providing much needed supplies including food items and non-food needs like pillows, blankets, and PJs. These will go to the Shelter on April 29. Watch your inbox for sign up information. Contacts: Sheri Lockshin splockshin@gmail.com; Lynn H-G ptlynn@comcast.net
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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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/
Take Action Against Antisemitism. The Reform Movement calls on the Senate to immediately fill the position of U.S. Special Envoy on Antisemitism. The Special Envoy plays a critical role leading the United States' global effort to combat this virulent form of hate, working with governments internationally and with Congress to protect Jewish communities worldwide. Add your voice to those calling for the Senate to fill this important position as soon as possible at www.rac.org/antisemitism. To learn more https://rac.org/take-action/legislative-action-center
WAYS TO DONATE FOR UKRAINE:
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/
Jewish Coalition for Learning next tutor training will restart in August. To learn about the Jewish Coalition for Literacy visit the newly redone website: www.jclread.org contact Susan Mautner s.mautner@comcast.net
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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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White Parents/Guardians Raising Jewish Kids of Color: A 3-part series/panel for parents/guardians with Aliza Greenberg, URJ’s upcoming REDI (Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) trainings and programs. Session 1 (Sunday, April 3, 12-1 ET, Session 2 Sunday, April 10, 12-1 ET, Session 3 Sunday April 24, 12-1 ET. Learn more & register today!: White Parents/Guardians Raising Jewish Kids of Color
Join the Interfaith Climate Circle. A monthly series first Mondays from 7-8:30pm via Zoom. Register Here for link. Learn, engage, and act with other people of faith in Contra Costa. Together we can make a difference. Contact: Jackie Mann jackiemann@att.net
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. Watch for the signup sheet. May 12, 7-8:30pm, TTC 205 in the Art Room
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 TI Bus Shelter lower parking lot. Bring water and watch for the signup for Sunday, May 15th and Sunday, May 22, 2pm.
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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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