Social Action
Building Our Connections to the Community and the World Around Us
By Sharon Priven, Social Action co-chair (contact co-chairs Sharon Priven and Karen Hecht: socialaction@netivotshalom.org)
Netivot Shalom is a community that is committed to being both a caring neighbor and a responsible global citizen. Our concern about social justice and our commitment to tikkun olam are reflected in our growing relationships with such groups as BOCA (Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action), Bay Area Cultural Connections (BAYCC), the Progressive Jewish Alliance, and the American Jewish World Service. In addition, congregants have been supporting our sister congregation in Cuba for over a decade. Our efforts in both community service and community organizing are growing; and, as they do, we strengthen our connections to each other and our ties to the world around us. For ongoing opportunities to participate, see below. See below for special events and on-going opportunities. To join the social action e-tree contact socialaction@netivotshalom.org.
Upcoming Events:
Knetivot Knit meets Sunday, March 14th at noon at Netivot Shalom. Come join our friendly group of knitters/crocheters of all ages and abilities who make projects for charitable causes. We will be joined by friends from Bay Area Cultural Connections (BAYCC) as well.
Our next opportunity to cook at the Dorothy Day Men's Shelter will be the first Sunday in March. For information or to RSVP, contact DD@netivotshalom.org.
Eco-Metro Guides are back! Save money all year with this book of coupons for green businesses in the East Bay. Business include grocery and hardware stores, restaurants, theaters and more. Buy one for yourself or give one as a gift. Guides still cost only $20 and are available at the Netivot Shalom office. Funds raised support our meals at the Dorothy Day men's shelter. Find out more at: http://www.ecometro.com/splash.aspx.
A Huge Thank You to BAYCC for bringing the tradition of Ashure, or Noah's Pudding, to Netivot Shalom on 1/3. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Noah story from both Jewish and Muslim perspectives, and to continue to get to know each other. Stay tuned for upcoming events with BAYCC.
On-Going Opportunities to Participate:
Netivot brings Kabbalat Shabbat to the senior residents at Monarch House - All are welcome; come sing and shmooze! 7pm, 4500 Gilbert St., Oakland. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month.
Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA), a local interfaith organizing group, holds monthly meetings to offer updates on actions and issues of shared concerns. Potluck dinner at 6pm, meeting at 6:30. Locations vary. Last Tuesday of the month.
Netivot cooks at the Dorothy Day Men's Shelter, 1931 Center St, Berkeley. 5 to 8pm. Adults/teens. Every 1st Sunday of the month. Please contact socialaction@netivotshalom.org for more info or to volunteer.
Knetivot Knits: Join this friendly circle of knitters and crocheters as we make simple projects for various charitable organizations. All ages, genders and abilities welcome; instruction is available. Every second Sunday of the month at Netivot Shalom.
On-Going Food Drive: Netivot Shalom supports the Alameda County Community Food Bank! Please help fill the red food bins in the foyer by bringing unopened canned goods and other non-perishable items for donation.
Important Resources:
American Jewish World Service (AJWS): http://www.ajws.org
Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA): http://www.berkeleyboca.org
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL): http://www.coejl.org
Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA): http://www.pjalliance.org
Shalom Bayit: http://www.shalom-bayit.org