Social Action
Beth Chaim recognizes the responsibility for being involved in programs of Tikkun Olam, or “repairing the world.” We have created a comprehensive Social Action Calendar of projects, most of which reflect the Jewish holidays that occur throughout the year.
Sukkot in April
Social Action Program 2010-2011
December/January:
Adopt A Family/Contra Costa Families First
Chair: Mindy Murphy
A great project of collecting and delivering gifts, meeting the very basic needs of pre-qualified families in Contra Costa County. If you can’t give a donation, the best gift is also your time in helping organize or even better yet…delivering the gifts. That’s a very moving experience!
Winter Nights Feeding the Homeless Project with St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church – Interfaith Project
Chair: Pam Messing
Fabulous family project. Great community project. Working in partnership with St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and utilizing their Parish Hall, we shelter and provide meals and services for 35-40 adults, elderly and children who are homeless during the winter months.
January/February:
Tu B’ Shvat
Chair: Sue Friedman and Grace Munoz
Working in community with the Religious School, it is a dream to plant our first tree at the site of our new home on Camino Tassajara Road. The tree would be cared for by the students.
March/April:
Sukkot In April
Brotherhood chairs this project every year. A great opportunity for the youth and families of our Congregation to help their neighbors build, repair or maintain a home/property in need.
April:
Passover
The Passover Food Drive
This project benefits Children’s Services of the Greater East Bay and Russian Jewish Immigrants. Collections of Kosher foods are organized and donated through the Religious School.
May:
Feeding The Homeless Project/Shelter, Inc.
Preparing and delivering meals to two shelters in Concord and Martinez.
June/July:
Break
September/October:
High Holy Days
Food Drive/Contra Costa Food Bank
Chair: Laura Ricci
Food collected before HHD at Sunday School and at services.
Holy Convergence
Chair: Sharon Abrams
Large community-wide interfaith project with multiple faiths represented with spirituality, music, food, information, celebration and education. Again – a great community project that reinforces “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.”
November:
Thanksgiving
Holiday Dinner Drive/Contra Costa Food Bank
Chair: Needed
Donation envelopes are sent out by November 1. Great project for teens/adults.
