Temple Israel's Social Action Committee participates in a broad range of activities to do our part toward Tikkun Olam, Healing the World. Our programs address issues of hunger, shelter, and literacy within the London community. We encourage interfaith harmony and mutual respect. We provide information about how to assist with disaster relief in the wider world. Please join in on Social Action programs -- they are not just for the committee -- everyone is encouraged to participate.
Food Bank
Great news!!! During the High Holy Days 2009, our congregation collectively donated 2,270 pounds of "Fast Food" to the London & Area Food Bank, surpassing last year's previous record by 470 pounds!!!
Throughout the year, Temple Israel collects non-perishable items for the Food Bank in bins at the Temple, and once a month (usually first Wednesday of each month) we help sort and package food at the Food Bank. More helpers are always needed and welcome. In light of recently-imposed limits on the number of volunteers per evening, only members of Temple Israel ore invited to attend. Please RSVP to Leora by noon on the day of the sort to let her know how many from your family will be attending. This is an excellent family activity. best suited for those aged 7 and older. It also counts towards community service credits for high school students. Contact Leora Swartzman
1. Serve as TISA Interfaith Liaison. For more information about what this would entail, please contact Brenda Donner.
2. On a monthly or bi-monthly basis, collect and sort through the items dropped off at Temple Israel for Rotholme (in two labelled bins in the kitchen) and take to Rotholme Leora Swartzmanand/or the Men's Mission. Contact .
3. Come to SOUP GROUP any month (or every month!) and help make soup for Rotholme Women & Children's Shelter.
Temple Israel Knitters
Leslie Paddock has donated a large quantity of yarn in memory of her ex-mother-in-law, Kay Heaton, to be used for charitable knitting or crochet projects.
For example, you may wish to knit warm hats, mitts, or scarves for Temples Israel's annual "Chanukah Chappening" or you may wish to make squares to be assembled into "Blankets for Bubbies" to be donated to a local nursing home or seniors' residence.
In this section of our monthly report, we provide updates on contributions to the Temple Israel Tzedakah box - how much they amounted to, the charities that they were directed to and where they will go next. In the coming months, the Social Action Committee will be discussing where to direct funds for the rest of the Jewish year. If you have any suggestions, contact Leora, or, even better, join the discussion in person at the Social Action/Soup Group meetings.
Food Sort at London Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street (map), first Wednesday of each month (please check the TI calendar, as there are some variations in the Food Bank schedule)
Soup Group, at Temple Israel or member's home, second Thursday of each month
Collection of non-perishible food for the London Food Bank by our Religious School students, as well as several Social Action programs throughout the year, including "Fast Food" project at the High Holy Days
Collection of clothing and household items for Rotholme and Men's Mission, bins in TI hallway near coat rack, and at our "Chanukah Chappening"
Interfaith activities, in co-operation with Unity of London and Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre
Blankets for Bubbies, knit or crochet squares for lap blankets for nursing homes
Special celebration service to recognize MCC London's continuing presence as a ministry to the LGBTQ community and beyond since 1980.
Guest is Rev. Dr. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches, gay pioneer and global activist.
