TAE Social Action
Making a Difference Together
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Highlights of this Month's Email - (Scroll for Details)
Blood Drive - November 7 - Sign Up Now
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Conejo Valley Refugee Welcoming Team
Help Afghan Refugees
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Habitat for Humanity - House Builds
October 9 and 22
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Help Prepare Hot Meals for Community
Members in need on
October 25
Help Prepare Lunches for Mondays
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Harbor House Adopt a Family for the Holidays
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Jewish World Watch - Seeds of Survival
October 24
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Knitting and Crocheting for Charity
October 24
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Many Mansions - Volunteer Opportunities
Property Celebrations and Homework Club
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Harbor House Donations
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Tour de Summer Camps - Help Send Jewish
Kids to Jewish Summer Camps
October 31
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ADL Walk Against Hate
October 10
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Food Forward - Fruit Trees
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Racial Justice Task Force
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James Storehouse Mentoring Foster Youth
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Save the Date -
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service -
November 24
Community Holiday Dinner -
December 25
Winter Coat Drive -
Decemberi
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Social Action Meeting
October 4
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TAE Social Action T-Shirts for Sale
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TAE Caring Community
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We hope that everyone is well during these challenging times. Although we have not been able to meet in person, there are many opportunities available to help others. Watch the weekly TAE-News and visit www.AdatElohim.org/socialaction to learn about TAE social action opportunities. The information changes regularly, so please check back often!
Marcia & Harold Gordon - Social Action Co-Chairs
socialaction@adatelohim.com
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BLOOD DRIVE - SIGN UP NOW |
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The need for donors is urgent. You can save a life. Sign up now. |
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Watch the video below to hear directly from TAE donors how important and easy it is to donate. |
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CONEJO VALLEY REFUGEE WELCOMING TEAM |
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Provide Assistance for Newly Arrived Refugees
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As of September 30th there are 54,000 Afghan refugees being housed on 9 military bases throughout the United States. They are going through the vetting process and medical checks so that they can be resettled into communities throughout the country.
TAE is a member of the Conejo Valley Refugee Welcome Team. This team is preparing to help families should they arrive in our area. We are also working with local families who are still trying to help get their family members out of Kabul.
While they are waiting, the refugees on the military bases have needs for some basic items. Many of them arrived in the US without anything. You can help them by purchasing items from Amazon wish lists or by making donations to refugee resettlement agencies or the Conejo Valley Refugee Welcome Team.
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There is also a local organization called Miry's List who is looking for volunteers to help refugees virtually. |
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BUILD A HOUSE WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - OCTOBER 9 OR 22 |
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You Can Help Build a Home in Port Hueneme
Saturday, October 9 or Friday October 22
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Photos from our 2018 build |
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Many of us probably think - "I can't build a house, I don't know what to do and the work is too physical". Habitat for Humanity has wonderful opportunities for us to help build a home for a local family. No experience is required - Habitat crew leaders give all instructions. The job site is located in Port Hueneme and most times the family who will be living in the home is working along side us!
There are two opportunities in October to help.
Saturday, October 9, from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Friday, October 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - This is an "Interfaith Build" - Congregations around the Conejo have been invited to build together.
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Space is limited. Click here to email for sign up instructions. |
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New Opportunity!
Prepare a Hot Dinner for the Most Needy in our Community
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On October 25, Temple Adat Elohim will be providing a Hot Meal which will be distributed by Harbor House for those in need. Prepare a part of the meal at home and drop it off at TAE. The meals will then be packaged into to-go containers and delivered to Harbor House for immediate distribution.
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On-going ways to help:
Since mid-March of 2020, when all of the houses of worship closed, the nightly meals that had been provided to those in need in our community have been replaced by emergency "to-go" dinners and lunches distributed by Harbor House.
There are two ways to help.
- Temple Adat Elohim members are providing to go dinner bags and cases of water every Monday. The shelter committee sends out an email as sign-ups are needed.
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- If you would like to help provide meals on other days of the week, visit the Harbor House sign up page. Currently, they have many open spaces.
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ADOPT A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS |
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Harbor House
Adopt a Family Gift Cards for the Holidays
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2020 and 2021 have been rough years for so many families. Harbor House hopes to do all they can to alleviate the struggles that families with young children are experiencing right now.
They are collecting $25 Target and $25 Grocery Store gift cards which will be distributed to needy families for the holidays.
We need to advise them of the number of gift cards that we can provide by October 30. Please click the link below to sign up to provide a gift card or a check and then put them in an envelope addressed to Social Action and drop them at the temple office by November 19.
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JEWISH WORLD WATCH - SEEDS OF SURVIVAL |
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Jewish World Watch - Seeds of Survival
Gardening Program
Sunday, October 24
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Jewish World Watch has a goal of planting 500 new sustainable gardens in Chad for Darfuri survivors by the end of 2021. This creative, groundbreaking program is designed to address food scarcity, a daily concern for millions of forcibly displaced men, women and children worldwide.
On Sunday, October 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Jewish World Watch staff will present this important program, with hands-on experiences planting and harvesting actual Seeds of Survival crops and participating in a Top Chef Cookoff with Seeds of Survival ingredients.
This FREE all outdoor family event will be held at Temple Etz Chaim’s new onsite garden,1080 E. Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks.
There is no charge for attending but please sign up for the Virtual Walk to End Genocide jww.org/walk, and Impact in Action jww.org/impact. For more information on how to support the Seeds of Survival campaign, visit jww.org/grow.
Jewish World Watch is an expression of Judaism in action, bringing help and healing to survivors of mass atrocities around the globe and seeking to inspire people of all faiths and cultures to join the ongoing fight against genocide. www.jww.org. |
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JWW Impact in Action Speakers Series |
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Impact in Action is a six-week series of engaging conversations, advocacy opportunities & community events featuring human rights trailblazers from around the world.
Coalition Conversation: Hear Her Voice
October 7, 5 p.m.
Hear from survivors and women's rights activists, including Jewhar Ilham, as they share their stories of perseverance and discuss a path forward for women's rights worldwide. The Conversation will be moderated by Anna Turcotte.
Coalition Conversation: Food Security & Renewed Dignity
October 21, 5 p.m.
Food insecurity is rampant in the Chadian camps, housing Darfuri refugees. Hear sustainable food specialists detail the life-changing impact of bio-intensive gardening techniques bringing food and renewed dignity to Darfuri survivors.
Coalition Conversation: Cultivating a Generation of Hope & Resilience (Part I)
November 7, 10 a.m.
Human rights experts explore the root causes of violence internationally and domestically against children and interventions that break the cycle and promote healing.
Coalition Conversation: Cultivating a Generation of Hope & Resilience
(Part II)
November 14, 10 a.m.
Violence, displacement, hunger and the isolation dictated by the pandemic are all sources of severe trauma to children. Local educators and those serving refugees and communities plagued by violence delve into challenges and necessities in creating safe spaces for fortifying and teaching affected youth.
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KNITTING AND CROCHETING FOR CHARITY |
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The 4th Sunday at 3 p.m.
Upcoming date:
October 24
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We are planning on meeting at a local park. If the weather is not good, we will switch to zoom. RSVP so we can send you directions to the park (or the zoom link if we need to shift due to the weather).
Join us as we make scarfs, hats and small blankets that will be gifted to local charities for distribution.
You don't need to know how to knit or crochet. Bring your yarn and needles and someone will help get you started!
Currently we are making items to be distributed at the Community Holiday Dinner in December. We especially need adult sized hats, scarfs and blankets.
We will be collecting the hats, scarfs and small blankets in early December. The details will be in next month's newsletter.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT
MANY MANSIONS PROPERTY CELEBRATIONS AND HOMEWORK CLUB
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Volunteer Opportunity for Many Mansions
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Many Mansions is looking for volunteers to assist in making their property celebrations great! Each celebration is an opportunity to reengage with residents, build the Many Mansions community, and just have fun.
Volunteers are needed to help with various tasks at the celebrations that will take place in October at various Many Mansions properties in Thousand Oaks.
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HOMEWORK CLUB VOLUNTEERS NEEDED |
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Homework Club is an after school tutoring program that provides an educational environment at Many Mansions in which children have one-on-one tutoring and homework assistance every school night for three hours. Staff and community volunteers provide the tutoring, computer and Internet access, computer educational programs, and an extensive reading library.
Volunteers are needed to help with Homework Club at various locations in the Thousand Oaks area. Flexible days.
They are also looking for an Event Administrative Volunteer for office assistance and event planning. Two hours, one day a week.
Many Mansions follows COVID safety guidelines, and in addition, all who work with children, are required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.
If you are interested or would like more information about any of these volunteer opportunities, please click here to contact Jessica Lawson at Many Mansions. |
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Harbor House is in need of the following donations. If you can help, drop off your donations at Holy Trinity Church 1 W. Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks (in the parking lot near Mountclef Blvd.) from 4 - 4:30 p.m. any day of the week.
- Cases of water bottles
- Granola bars (soft)
- Beef jerky packs
- Chips (individual packages)
- Cookies (individual packages)
Or you can purchase items from their Amazon Wish List and have them sent directly to Harbor House.
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The Jewish Federation's Tour de Summer Camps
Sunday, October 31
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The Jewish Federation’s 9th annual Tour de Summer Camps will be IN PERSON on Sunday, October 31st! It’s always an amazing day, and this year’s event is going to be one we’ll always remember as we gather as a community once again to send more kids to Jewish summer camp.
Choose from four great cycling courses of 18, 36, 62, or 100 miles; or join the fun with Cycle at Camp — a fast-paced, 45-minute session on a stationary bike led by our fantastic instructor. You can also participate virtually.
Whichever you choose, fundraising proceeds from the event will enable thousands of families who otherwise could not afford to send their children to camp with the opportunity to provide formative Jewish camp experiences.
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Anti Defamation League (ADL) -
Virtual Walk Against Hate
October 10
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On October 10th, the ADL is on the move to fight hate across the country!
It's not just a walk — it's an opportunity to move as an individual, family or community toward a future without antisemitism, racism and all forms of bigotry.
However you move, register for the 2021 ADL Walk Against Hate today! Sign up to participate virtually. Engage friends, family, neighbors and coworkers, and set a fundraising goal to make a difference in your community.
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Do you have fruit trees in your yard? You can help feed those in need!
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Got fruit trees with excess fruit? Or, want to help pick some of that excess fruit? Over a thousand generous homeowners—people just like you—have given back to their community by donating surplus fruits from their backyard to Food Forward. Become a Fruit Donor today. Receive a tax-deductible receipt for your in-kind donation, and know that 100% of the fruit you donate will feed Southern Californians experiencing food insecurity.
1 in 9 Californians lacks adequate access to food. That’s nearly 4 million people. At the same time, 40% of food in the United States, or 80 billion pounds, is wasted every year.
Food Forward creates a sustainable solution to both of these problems. Their dedicated team members and volunteers—people just like you—recover fruits and vegetables that would have been wasted from backyard fruit trees, public orchards, farmers markets, and the downtown Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. They connect this abundance of nutritious food to people experiencing food insecurity, donating 100% of the produce they recover to hunger relief agencies across Southern California, and to tribal lands in Arizona and New Mexico.
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RACIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCES |
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Racial Justice Task Forces are open to all TAE members and ECC families
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We have 4 racial justice task forces that are researching issues, creating and implementing action plans. The task forces meet regularly and are on going. New members are welcome to join at any time.
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Criminal Justice Reform
At our October 11th Zoom meeting, we'll be joined by Ventura
County District Attorney, Erik Nasarenko
Harold Gordon, Chair
Voter Rights
Susan VanVleet &
Diane Lipson, Co-Chairs
Education Reform
Arianne Walker & Susan Drapkin, Co-Chairs
Inclusion at TAE
Our TAE Inclusion task force is working to ensure that all feel welcome in our community.
Cyndi Levinson and Marcia Gordon, Co-Chairs
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JAMES STOREHOUSE MENTORING FOSTER YOUTH |
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SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Conejo Valley Interfaith Association
Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 24 Look for details next month.
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Community Holiday Dinner - December 25.
Volunteer details in next month's newsletter
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Gently Used Coat/Sweatshirt Drive - December
Look for details next month
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING |
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The next Social Action Committee meeting
will be
October 4
at 7 p.m. via Zoom
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All members are invited to join us to learn more about TAE Social Action, bring new ideas, help plan upcoming events and get involved. |
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TEMPLE ADAT ELOHIM T-SHIRTS |
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Temple Adat Elohim - Making a Difference Together T-shirts are now available for purchase!
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Get your t-shirt now so you can wear it with pride every time you volunteer. We hope everyone will have a shirt so that we can show our TAE spirit when we can once again volunteer in the community. Shirts are $23 and can be ordered here.
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Caring Community of TAE needs your help!
Our Caring Community is dedicated to reaching out to those in our TAE community who are in need.
Do you have some time to make a few phone calls to people who are in need to let them know that their TAE family is thinking of them? Do you have time to visit remotely with people who are in need of some contact while they are ill? If you can help, please contact Cantor David at dshukiar@adatelohim.com (805) 497-7101. Please also contact Cantor David if you know someone in need.
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Wow, our High Holiday Food Drive was a great success. Our Temple Adat Elohim community truly understands what it means to take care of our neighbors. We haven't yet received the total number of pounds donated but we filled three huge gaylords(boxes). In addition, a total of over $13,000 was donated to SOVA/Manna. Both food banks will be able to purchase a lot of food with those donations. Thank you all! |
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Thank you to everyone who purchased shoes for 41 children at Thurgood Marshall K-8 school in Oxnard. In total, we have donated shoes to 76 children at that school in 2021. For so many of these children this is the first new pair of shoes that they have ever received. Thank you for helping them to run and play. Thank you also to Barbara Greenstein for coordinating the drives.
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This monthly Social Action e-newsletter is sent from the Social Action committee at the beginning of each month. It includes upcoming social action opportunities that are available to the TAE community. We invite all TAE members to find your place in TAE Social Action. We hope that you will find a project (or many!) that touches your heart. There is something for everyone.
If you have charities or projects that you support, please share them with us at socialaction@adatelohim.com. We might be able to involve others in a project that is important to you!
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