February 05, 2012   12 Sh'vat 5772
Union Temple of Brooklyn, NY
Search our site:

Social Action Update

During Yom Kippur, at the afternoon Social Action meeting, I mentioned that President Obama had established an entity called Organizing for America thatbuilt on the internet organizing he had done during his presidential campaign. People working for this entity organize activities throughout the country, neighborhood by neighborhood. they were active around healthcare they are active again around the November elections. Just Google it and you will be able to participate in a phone bank or other activity. You will be able to help support democracy. - Ann Maltz

Social Action Committee  

Social Action is a central part of Union Temple's mission in pursuing Tikkun Olam, the reparation of our world. Our committee coordinates a variety of projects to help the community, organizes educational and advocacy programs, and works to involve all members of the Union Temple community in our efforts. We also work with local and national organizations.

o We have an ongoing drive for food which is donated to CHIPS, a local meal provider for the needy.

o We coordinate volunteers at the Hebrew Union College soup kitchen.

o We have joined hands with Project Hope, a community social service agency which trains people to become employable and self-sufficient to collect clothing to wear on job interviews. We also volunteer our expertise to help the clients with educational, legal, psychological and social service issues.

o  We support the work of MAZON, A Jewish Response to Hunger, with a suggested "3% against hunger" contribution, a small part of the cost of food for celebrations at the Temple.  MAZON funds programs such as food banks and Meals on Wheels as well as organizations that advocate to end the root causes of hunger in the United States and abroad.

 

o We run a yearly blood drive in conjunction with Methodist Hospital.

These activities tend to ameliorate, but do not attack, the root causes of poverty and illness. Therefore, we also present educational forums on topical issues, advocacy programs to raise awareness about current social justice issues, and follow up with letter writing campaigns and lobbying visits to local legislators.

Building Betterment Budget Backed: Banners, Buds, Bulbs & Better Bulletin Board!  

No doubt you have already noticed the improvement in the building’s appearance in the last few months. Brass has been polished, UT Beautifaction Posterfloors have been cleaned, walls and ceilings have been painted, light fixtures have been restored, a new space for notices has appeared, and the lobby’s transom windows let light in! John Golomb, Winston and Patrick have been hard at work at all these things as well as other, less visible improvements.

There is more to come.

The Beautification Committee’s budget for immediate exterior improvements has been approved and plans are well underway. What will be happening?

Inside sources report that the following is in store for the lower facade of the Union Temple building this Spring.

· Cleaning the lower stone portion of the building facade.

· Installing banners on either side of the center windows.

· Installing light fixtures to replace the missing originals.

· Placing two planters between the main front doors.

· Placing new signage in the bulletin board case.

This picture gives an idea of what the building front will look like when the work is complete. The specific additions are illustrative only!!!

The goal is an entrance that reflects the life and energy that is going on inside the building. These improvements are only the beginning. Many more projects are coming up, including the new entrance and office space.

-The Beautification Committee
The Rally to Save Darfur  

Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman

Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman

The Rally to Save Darfur: Members of Union Temple and Friends

Members of Union Temple and Friends

 

On the Mall in Washington DC
The Rally to Save Darfur: On the Mall


Send mail to webmaster with
questions or comments about this web site.		 Union for Reform Judaism  

Member of the
Union for
Reform Judaism