November 3, 2021
Missed the last Social Action Meeting? Curious about joining the Committee? Interested in what issues we are focusing on right now? Check out the executive summary below from our last meeting!
Click here for a list of Subcommittee leaders and emails
Week of November 15: Tzedakah Box Collection at Beth Emet
Currently, the group is engaged in 4 areas: Education (most visible aspect, zoom discussion sessions with the SAC, the board, the Reparations Panel Discussion; 2 more zoom-based session coming 11/17, 12/14 evenings; Communications (series of papers have been developed; articles, podcasts, media); Development- to assist congregation members who wish to provide financial support; Outreach- in addition to the rabbis connecting with other local and national religious leaders, there is outreach to the RAC and the URJ and, with the Temple Jeremiah connection, we’re initiating a program of coordination with other North Shore synagogues.
We are working with JCUA to host 3-5 sessions over 2 months on topics including white identity, white culture, anti-racism. Room available to participate
November 8-11, RAC national social justice arm is joining with a number of organizations for a hard push on the Senate and President to pass the 2 pieces of voting rights legislation
Five Synagogues (including BE) and community liaisons from the Chicago Jewish Coalition for refuges met virtually with Rep. Schakowsky to discuss several HIAS prioriities.
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, a program of JCFS, has accepted the responsibility of resettling 50 Afghan families in the Chicagoland Area, starting as soon as December. Beth Emet’s commitment has 3 components
This subcommittee is getting off the ground locally and connected with a national Jewish organization focused on advocacy and policy making about climate change; currently tehre are 17 groups across the country- we are number 18!!
Continuing with the currnt model of purchasing the entree and sides, having volunteers make salads and lunches in their homes, and then delivering them to Beth Emet. The only exception is Thanksgiving week, where a turkey dinner will be prepared.
A free pantry was installed outside and is being utilized!
Thanksgiving service at Lake Street Church, November 24 (in person and virtual)
Walk for Warmth, MLK Day, Monday January 17. This is a family friendly event that brings together all the faith organizations for a walk past 7 of the 8 faith organizations that houes the shelter.
Beth Emet will be hosting the shelter from Jauary 30-February 19
SeeMyStory art exhibit on homeless won the Evanston Mayor’s Award
Connections’ Gift of Giving 2021! This is an oppotunity for community members or gropus to sponsor holiday wish lists for Connections’ clients by purchasing requested items or gift cards.
Lisa Levine’s Kids’ Kabbalat Mitzvah is 11/13/2021 and their Gemulit Chasadim (act of loving kindness) Mitzvah Project benefits Connections. They are working to revamp and restock the clothing room. More info and how you can support them can be found here: Kabbalat Mitzvah Project
