Monthly Newsletter: February 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.
“When we hear and accept what we hear without meeting others, without asking how can it be, without looking for friends outside our circles, when we accept hatred for a group as a legitimate discourse-Pharoah is alive and well, inside ourselves” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
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Our next VIA monthly committee meeting has been rescheduled from Thursday, February 3rd to the 17th at 7pm on Zoom. 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, February 17 at 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 870 3266 1338
Passcode: green96
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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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.
Dates: Tuesdays, February 1, March 1, March 29, May 3, 2022 at 7pm in the Social Hall
WAITLISTED
This series is free thanks to generous support from the WOI Maagal Tzedakah Fund and Rabbi LeVine's discretionary fund.
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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/
Join the Angel Network. The Angel Network wants volunteers to know how much the congregation appreciates you. If you need help or support for meals, rides or errands notify the Temple Office. Our volunteers are here to help. To learn about our new Shiva Project and Shiva Consolation Kits, watch for our article in the upcoming Ruach. Contact Greta Frantz gf.angelnet@gmail.com and Denise Glicklin dg.angelnet@yahoo.com
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
Join the Interfaith Climate Circle. A monthly series starts March 7th, 1st Monday 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
Engage in Voter Protection. The Center for Common Ground was founded to educate and empower under-represented voters in voter suppression states to encourage them to engage in elections and advocate for their right to vote. Together, we can build a democracy that prioritizes the voices of ALL people. https://www.centerforcommonground.org/ contact Judy Carney judy.carney0@gmail.com
Build Relationships with Incarcerated Youth as They Transition Back to Society. ICHANGE, a new Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County program, provides training in spiritual care and mentoring to caring, people of faith to support and assist justice-involved young adults with ongoing weekly contact and guidance for at least a year. ICHANGE collaborates with the Juvenile Justice System, community-based organizations and services, and the youth and families of Contra Costa County. For information on how to become an ICHANGE mentor, contact: ICHANGE Co-Chairs Rev. Julius Van Hook or Meg Keeley Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County: 925-822-3744 or, Terri Moss terrimoss55@gmail.com
Help Afghan Families. Working with The Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI), VIA has asked Women of Isaiah to help organize a temple-wide social action project to provide a refugee family the food they’ll need for a week’s worth of meals. We continue to await further details. Stay tuned for a Sign Up Genius for volunteers to register how they can help. Contact Lynn Harrington-Golde at ptlynn@comcast.net.
Help Renters Access Federal Covid-Rental Relief Funds and Avoid Eviction: The Temple Isaiah Racial Justice Task Force is partnering with Shelter Inc and Monument Impact to help our Contra Costa neighbors learn about and access this $5.2 billion dollar program to keep them in their homes. Volunteers are calling renters to answer questions and verify appointments. We are also planning outreach to East and West County congregations to make sure those in need are able to apply for ERAP. To join our efforts, email Sue Adler-Bressler at suejab2@gmail.com. For more details about the federal program, click here.
Tutor a struggling primary grade student in underserved East Bay schools by joining the Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Temple Isaiah has provided volunteers for over a dozen years at Coronado Elementary School in Richmond. Other opportunities are available in Oakland, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and Concord. Contact Susan Mautner at s.mautner@comcast.net or (510) 334-3705. For more information go to https://www.jclread.org/new-tutor-training-info-2.
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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.
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Listen to Podcasts on Diversity
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Belonging: Them vs Us (3 min): Them vs. Us
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Kimberlé Crenshaw: Intersectionality (19 min): Ted Talk
Learn What Jews of Color experience. Jew of Color face discomfort at synagogues. Learn about their experiences so Temple Isaiah can become a more welcoming place to all.
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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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