Social Action

The role of the Social Action Committee is to:

Keep Social Justice and Social Action in the forefront of Congregation Emanu El’s agenda

Apprise congregants of issues and volunteer opportunities

Sponsor forums on issues

Undertake projects

Encourage individual and congregational involvement;

Recommend policy positions on issues of Social Justice to the Board of Congregation Emanu El

Reaffirm that every day is Mitzvah Day

The Social Action Committee is a proactive resource of the congregation that is always interested to hear from you. In addition to the issues listed here be sure to check out Putting Our Faith into Action, the Social Action corner of the Bulletin. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions complete the “Request for Action” form at the bottom of this page.

On-line Resource Guide

Suspecting or learning that a family member has a disability can be very difficult. Today, many people turn to the Internet to discover what services exist to meet their needs. They also turn to their congregations, their local agencies and their community for resources. Jewish Family Service has developed an on-line introduction to the vast resources that exist in the Jewish and general communities, in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area and beyond. Access it at: www.jfshouston.org/specialneeds.php

Cover the Uninsured

In Texas, out of a total population of 22,859,968 people, 24.2% do not have health insurance coverage. 20.7% of Texas children are uninsured (compared to the national average of 11.2%). Visit the Religious Action Center website for more information and local initiatives: http://rac.org.

WHAT’S A JEWISH ISSUE? Basically everything.

Motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice, the American Jewish World Service actively works to build civil societies and alleviate poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality.  Active in the campaign to save the people of Darfur, AJWS provides humanitarian aid and advocacy opportunities. Find out how you can help.  http://www.ajws.org/

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism http://rac.org/

Frustrated by the news? Yes, there is something you can do: Take RACtion a web site sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism. The RAC offers action alerts, research, opportunities, projects, programs, publications, updates, background, ready information on issues affecting Jews and all humankind. It is a fabulous resource – and beginning. Sign up for e-alerts today.

The Jewish Ethics Challenge

Our personal beliefs and ethical values are revealed in the judgments and actions we take. How do our personal values compare with important Jewish considerations? “The Jewish Ethics Challenge: Where do you Stand?” by Arthur Gross Schaefer (originally published in Reform Judaism, Winter 1997) is available on-line. It is thought-provoking, an opportunity to hold up a mirror, to discuss and consider. Access it at: http://reformjudaismmag.net/1197ag.html

Disaster Preparedness

We have developed a Disaster Preparedness Plan designed to prepare and secure the Temple prior to a natural disaster, e.g., flood, storm, hurricane. For a personal and/or family preparedness plan, check out our Disaster Preparedness Page.

PROJECTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Gordon Elementary School Arts Project.
Co-chairs: Sandy Harris & Diane Dante.

The program provides Cultural Arts enrichment to the students through field trips, on-site performances and experiential activities. Resources have included Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, individual artists and others.

Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC).

http://eachouston.org
713-522-0879.

A project sponsored by a coalition of 14 Main Street corridor congregations that provides free clothing, a food pantry and a “Lunch Line.” Food donations to Congregation Emanu El are taken there.
Volunteer Opportunities: interview clients; sort, fold & arrange clothes; make sandwiches; work in the food pantry.

SEARCH [Service of the Emergency Aid Resource Center for the Homeless].

http://www.searchproject.org
713-739-7752

Liaison: Arlyne Gimbel. SEARCH is dedicated to helping homeless men, women and children get off the streets and into jobs and affordable housing. It is focused primarily on education, job training and employment. Congregation Emanu El has strong ties to SEARCH, was active in its inception and continues to support it.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Work with children at the House of Tiny Treasures;
Do you enjoy reading? Share the joy by teaching at the Adult Literacy Lab;
Help with food preparation and packaging – and more.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions complete this form.

“Request for Action”

When you are finished, click the “Send” button one time.

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