Summary of Social Action programs for the 2009-10 year.

Temple Aliyah is committed to meaningful social action. Members of the synagogue participate in a variety of exciting projects, with opportunities for short-term and longer commitments.

The Social Action Committee welcomes new committee members and volunteers for its various programs. For further information about the Social Action Committee and to volunteer to participate in any of these projects, contact the program coordinator identified below or the chairperson of the Social Acton Committee, Donald Lassman (781-449-1611, don@lassmanlaw.com) or Marla Simon (781-453-9916, evan.marla@rcn.com). For information about social action in the Religious School, contact Dr. Beverly Schwartz-Katsch, Education Director (drbev@templealiyah.com).

“In a free society, although each person
may not be guilty, all are responsible"
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

On-Going Programs | Date-Specific Events

On-going programs

The Social Action committee of Temple Aliyah offers many, many opportunities to Temple members of all ages, ranging from one-time programs to longer commitments. We have programs for young children, families, adults, teens…you name it, we have great programs available. Yes, you CAN make a difference. Of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Donald Lassman or Marla Simon.

Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy
Temple Aliyah will begin its 13th year in the Coalition’s program, sending trained reading tutors to the Philbrick Elementary School in Roslindale. Temple members receive extensive training from professionals provided by the Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Our team members tutor children one-on-one in grades K-3 to bring the children up to grade level. Participation requires a commitment of one hour or two hours per week, plus training. Tutor training sessions are given at least twice during the school year. Look for information in the Pulse and through flyers, or call Judy Varon (781-444-3812, oomatron@rcn.com).

Family Table
Family Table is the response of the Greater Boston Jewish community to the needs of Jewish area families who cannot afford the basic necessities of life. Family Table collects food, paper goods, items of personal hygiene, as well as Shabbat candles, challah and ritual items appropriate to various Jewish holidays. Temple Aliyah collects food throughout the year and delivers it to the Family Table food pantry located at 1430 Main Street in Waltham. This year we are responsible for collecting 40 packages of raisins per month and 40 packages of raisins per month. We CAN do it! Once a month or more, please remember Family Table when you do your shopping. When shopping please consider raisins and pasta for Family table and when coming to synagogue, please leave them in the boxes just outside the synagogue office in the Temple’s Religious School lobby. For further information contact Murray Davidson: medmhd@aol.com

Shabbat Shalom at Avery Manor
Shabbat with the Elderly
Welcome Shabbat on the first and second Friday of each month with residents of Needham's assisted living facilities. All you have to do is show up--candlesticks, kippot, booklets, challah and juice are located on site. It's a wonderful, fulfilling activity for adults of any age, families with children, and fun to do with friends. Contact Judy Lee (judymlee@msn.com).

Religious School Social Action Projects
As part of its curriculum, each grade of the religious school participates in at least one social action project. Each project has an educational component and a social action "hands on" activity component. Contact Marla Simon at Evan.marla@rcn.com.

Religious School Parents
As your children get older, teachers in public schools often don’t need as much help in the classroom. But we DO need your help in the TA Religious School for various Social Action projects throughout the school year. Religious School parents will be receiving a list of the projects and the scheduled dates. Please think about volunteering even just once during the year. No prior experience needed…just a willingness to be a wonderful role model for your children as they perform various mitzvot (good deeds) through classroom projects. Students in our Zayin class can earn Mitzvah points by helping with these projects. Contact Marla Simon at Evan.marla@rcn.com.

Teen Social Action Projects
There are many opportunities for teens to get involved in social action projects and do tikkun olam, help to repair the world. Look for upcoming notices of projects for teens. Many of these activities are through the Temple's USY groups. Please encourage your teens to join their fellow teens in these activities. Contact Brian Wexler at the Temple or Atlee Silk at agsilk91@gmail.com.

Date-Specific Events

Needham Interfaith Habitat
Needham Interfaith Habitat (NIH) and Greater Boston Chapter of Habitat for Humanity broke ground this past July on a house in Needham. A family has been chosen and is working with us in the building of their future home which is located on the corner of Bancroft and Brookline Streets. The Needham Interfaith Habitat was formed six years ago by the Needham Clergy Association, representing all houses of worship in the Needham community. To complete the building of the home we need both volunteers and financial support. We will building at the site as a congregation on the following dates: 12/8/09, 1/12/10, 2/21/10 and 3/21/10. If you are interested in helping out on our build days, please contact Howard Hirsh at hjhirsh@aol.com. If you are interested in giving a donation or helping out on other dates, please check out our website at: www.needhamhabitat.org. If you have any other questions, please contact Lisa Heyison at lisaheyison@comcast.net.

Purim Book Drive February and early March, 2010
At Purim, Temple Aliyah collects books to donate to the Philbrick Elementary School in Roslindale. In lieu of books last year, TA members were asked to write checks so the school principals could purchase multiple copies of specific titles. Watch the Pulse for details in early spring about this program.

Yad Chesed March 2010
During Purim services each year, Temple members fulfill the mitzvah of giving tzedakah during the holiday. Temple Aliyah contributes this money to Yad Chesed, a greater Boston area project that buys coupons from the Butcherie in Brookline at a discount and distributes them to needy Jewish families. Collections are made at the Purim services or you can send a check to the Temple. Contact Neil Sacks (nasacks@verizon.net).

Project Hametz Prior to Passover, April 2010
Each year before Passover, Temple Aliyah collects hametz and contributes it to the Needham Community Council food pantry (which serves approximately 120 families) and to Family Table. Contact: Murray Davidson (medmhd@aol.com)

Walk for Hunger May 3, 2010
Let’s join together to make Team Temple Aliyah and walk for Project Bread. Stay tuned for more details about this year’s event.