The mission of Rodef Sholom’s Social Action Committee is to make Judaism’s commitment to the principles of Tikkun Olam an integral part of everyday life within the congregation. We connect with each other through social action. The committee organizes projects and events that educate the congregation and provide meaningful experiences through which we can repair our world on many levels.
❄️ Volunteer for PORT (People Offering Resources Together)
Rodef Sholom is providing meals for PORT winter shelters in Newport News. Thanks to everyone who has signed up thus far!
We still need volunteers for the following:
· Shopping on Sunday, 12/15, from 10 am to 1 pm
· Dinner at the Church, 12/25, from 5:45 pm to 9 pm
· Morning check-out, 12/26, from 4 am to 6:30 am
Sign up now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AAFA829A0F4CF8-53136169-rodef
Keep Sammi Warm!
Please help dress Social Action Sammi and donate gloves, mufflers, scarves, and socks. We will distribute these to LINK of Hampton Roads and Menchville House .
Save the Date!
Join Eden B. Heilman , Legal Director of the ACLU for Virginia for our Shabbat Schmooze, on January 11.
✔️Sign Up for the “Great Decisions” Series
The League of Women Voters of the Williamsburg Area is sponsoring its popular Foreign Policy Association series, Great Decisions, in 2025.
Each week, registrants can join on Zoom or in person at the Williamsburg Library auditorium at 10:30 a.m.
Register here: https://www.lwvwilliamsburg.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=252623&item_id=2427773
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
“The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels.”
Keep Sammi Warm!
Please help dress Social Action Sammi, and donate gloves, mufflers, scarves, and socks. We will distribute these to LINK of Hampton Roads and Menchville House.
Hygiene Kit Toiletries Needed
To assist with PORT’s (People Offering Resources Together) efforts in creating hygiene kits, please donate travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and lotion donations. We would also like floss, hair conditioners, washcloths or moist towelettes, tissues, combs, picks, chapstick, q-tips, and hand sanitizer.
Drop off all donations outside the RST office. Thank you!
❄️ Volunteer for
PORT (People Offering Resources Together)
Rodef Sholom is providing meals for PORT winter shelters in Newport News on December 25th.
We need volunteers starting in mid-December for:
· Shopping
· Breakfast bag assembly
· Guest sign-in
· Dinner service
· Clean-up
· Morning check-out
Sign up now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AAFA829A0F4CF8-53136169-rodef
No One Deserves to go Hungry
Read the Women’s League’s Food Insecurity Resolution and learn some ways to help address this problem. WLCJ will meet on December 5th to discuss what’s been put forward in the resolution.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
Get ready for GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 3. ” GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.”
Dress Social Action Sammi!
Please donate gloves, mufflers, scarves, and socks. We will distribute these to LINK of Hampton Roads and Menchville House.
Hygiene Kit Toiletries Needed
To assist with PORT’s (People Offering Resources Together) efforts in creating hygiene kits, please donate travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and lotion donations. We would also like floss, hair conditioners, washcloths or moist towelettes, tissues, combs, picks, chapstick, q-tips, and hand sanitizer.
Drop off all donations outside the RST office. Thank you!
❄️ Volunteer for PORT (People Offering Resources Together)
Rodef Sholom is providing meals for PORT winter shelters in Newport News on December 25th.
We need volunteers starting in mid-December for:
Sign up now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4AAFA829A0F4CF8-53136169-rodef
In the News
Take Action: Urge Senators to Reject Resolutions Blocking Aid to Israel
Following President Biden’s notification of Congress in August that his administration would be proceeding with arms sales to Israel, six separate Joint Resolutions of Disapproval were introduced in the Senate to block certain arms from reaching Israel. The Senate will vote on all six of these resolutions next week.
We urge you to fill out this action alert and encourage your senators to stand with our ally, Israel by opposing all six of these harmful resolutions.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
Hygiene Kit Toiletries Needed
To assist with PORT’s (People Offering Resources Together) efforts in creating hygiene kits, please donate travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and lotion donations. We would also like floss,
hair conditioners, washcloths or moist towelettes, tissues,
combs, picks, chapstick, q-tips, and hand sanitizer.
Cold-Weather Donations Requested
Pease donate gloves, mufflers, scarves, and socks. We will distribute these to LINK of Hampton Roads and Menchville House.
Drop off all donations outside the RST office. Thank you!
❄️ Volunteer for PORT (People Offering Resources Together)
Help us bring warmth this winter! Rodef Sholom is providing meals for PORT winter shelters in Newport News on December 25th.
We need volunteers starting in mid-December for:
-Breakfast bag assembly
-Shopping
-Clean-up
-Guest sign-in
-Dinner service
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To assist with PORT’s (People Offering Resources Together) efforts in creating hygiene kits, they ask for travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and lotion donations. They would also like floss, hair conditioners, washcloths or moist towelettes, tissues, combs, picks, chapstick, q-tips, and hand sanitizer.
In addition to collecting toiletries, please donate gloves, mufflers, scarves, and socks. We will distribute these to LINK of Hampton Roads and Menchville House .
Drop off all donations outside the RST office. Thank you!
America Recycles Day
November 15 is America Recycles Day, but we encourage you to recycle daily. Here are some resources to “keep America beautiful.”
Annual Repair Fair & Recycling Expo
The James City County Clean County Commission will host the 4th Annual Repair Fair & Recycling Expo on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Lafayette High School. The event will include an outdoor drive-thru recycling drop-off for plastic bags, glass, e-waste, tires, and food scraps for composting, and we are also accepting furniture, household goods, building materials, and shoes. Free paper shredding will also be provided! Simultaneously, our fixers will be indoors repairing lightly broken items. The event is free; however, items to be repaired must be registered in advance.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
“The Jewish War Veterans (JWV) is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. The JWV affirms that Jewish men and women serve honorably and heroically in the military forces of the United States of America during peacetime and war. The JWV defends the rights and benefits of all service members and veterans, combats antisemitism, and supports the State of Israel.”
During the Days of Awe, we are reminded of our responsibility to care for others. Please participate in our Operation Isaiah food drive and help ensure no one goes hungry this season. Every item you donate makes a difference. Visit https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-5784/project-isaiah/ for more information
Trust in Elections Civic Conversations
October 23 3-4:30pm or October 28 11-12:30pm
The College of William & Mary Civic and Community Engagement Department is facilitating two ” Living Room Conversations ” about Trust in Elections this October, and community members are warmly invited to join in. In these guided conversations, we’ll explore questions like what the role of trust is in your life and how we can inspire more trust in local elections. In addition to an opportunity to engage with others, participants who also complete a brief pre and post-survey are eligible for a $20 gift card through Living Room Conversations. Community members are welcome to join us for either conversation. Just to let you know, registration is required.
Register for October 23
Register for October 28
Toiletries Requested
The Social Action Committee is collecting toiletries (feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorants, etc) to donate to the homeless, those experiencing housing insecurity, and others in need. Both full-sized and single-use toiletries are welcome. Please drop them off outside the RST office. We will be donating our upcoming collection to Transitions Family Violence Services.
Climate Action Report & Plan
A 2024 state of the climate report published this week emphasizes the severity of the situation, declaring that we are on the verge of an irreversible climate disaster. The report states that, despite decades of accurate predictions by scientists and even fossil fuel companies, emissions continue to rise, driving the world toward severe impacts and widespread suffering for humans and ecosystems.
We at RST are creating a Climate Action Plan for our synagogue. Look for a brief survey about this very important initiative soon.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
” Citizens’ Climate Lobby organizes by establishing local chapters in congressional districts. If you don’t live near a CCL chapter, we will connect you with other CCL volunteers in your state. Working as a team, in your chapter or in your state, you’ll experience the profound difference people can make by empowering and inspiring their elected representatives, local media, and community.”
Teshuvah, Tefillah, Tzedakah – repentance, prayer, and charity. As we reflect on our values during the High Holidays, join us in giving back through Operation Isaiah. Your donations can bring hope and sustenance to those in need. Gift cards to places like Walmart, Kroger, and Food Lion. Gift cards allow people to buy fresh produce, milk, juice, etc.
Visit https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-5784/project-isaiah/ for more information #OperationIsaiah #HighHolidays #Tzedakah
Support Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene
Support relief efforts by donating directly to local organizations that can help. Below are some options shared by Virginia Funders Network and others:
Early Voting Has Begun!
Learn About Early In-Person Voting Laws Across the Country.
https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/early-in-person-voting
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), created by state legislators and legislative staff in 1975, serves America’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. “The NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures is committed to strengthening state legislatures, building the public’s trust in the legislative process and helping lawmakers confront and solve the critical issues of the day through a public-private dialogue”.
*We spotlight nonprofits suggested by members of the congregation or those we think may be of interest as they relate to social action.
The mention of services or links to non-RST sites does not indicate an official endorsement or responsibility by RST for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, nor does it guarantee the validity of the information provided.
September Social Action Happenings
Operation Isaiah Starts on Monday, Oct. 7
“Offer Your Compassion to the Hungry… Satisfy the Famished Soul”
Isaiah 58:10
Join our Operation Isaiah food drive and begin collecting non-perishable items. Together, we can make a difference Visit https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-5784/project-isaiah/ for more information. #OperationIsaiah #HighHolidays #TikkunOlam
Gift Card Donations Requested
Add “gift cards” to your shopping list! Join us in supporting Jewish Family Services by donating gift cards to places like Walmart, Kroger, and Food Lion. Gift cards allow people to buy fresh produce, milk, juice, etc.
Toiletries Requested
The Social Action Committee is collecting toiletries (feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorants, etc) to donate to the homeless, those experiencing housing insecurity, and others in need. Both full-sized and single-use toiletries are welcome. Please drop them off outside the RST office. We will be donating our upcoming collection to Transitions Family Violence Services.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF), an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administers two museums of early American history, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
JYF fosters an understanding and awareness of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation.
*We spotlight nonprofits suggested by members of the congregation or those we think may be of interest as they relate to social action.
The mention of services or links to non-RST sites does not indicate an official endorsement or responsibility by RST for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, nor does it guarantee the validity of the information provided.
“Offer Your Compassion to the Hungry… Satisfy the Famished Soul”
Isaiah 58:10
Join our Operation Isaiah food drive and begin collecting non-perishable items. Together, we can make a difference Visit https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-5784/project-isaiah/ for more information. #OperationIsaiah #HighHolidays #TikkunOlam
Gift Card Donations Requested
Add “gift cards” to your shopping list! Join us in supporting Jewish Family Services by donating gift cards to places like Walmart, Kroger, and Food Lion. Gift cards allow people to buy fresh produce, milk, juice, etc.
Toiletries Requested
The Social Action Committee is collecting toiletries (feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorants, etc) to donate to the homeless, those experiencing housing insecurity, and others in need. Both full-sized and single-use toiletries are welcome. Please drop them off outside the RST office. We will be donating our upcoming collection to Transitions Family Violence Services.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF), an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administers two museums of early American history, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
JYF fosters an understanding and awareness of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation.
*We spotlight nonprofits suggested by members of the congregation or those we think may be of interest as they relate to social action.
The mention of services or links to non-RST sites does not indicate an official endorsement or responsibility by RST for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, nor does it guarantee the validity of the information provided.
“Offer Your Compassion to the Hungry… Satisfy the Famished Soul”
Isaiah 58:10
Join our Operation Isaiah food drive and begin collecting non-perishable items. Together, we can make a difference Visit https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-5784/project-isaiah/ for more information. #OperationIsaiah #HighHolidays #TikkunOlam
Gift Card Donations Requested
Add “gift cards” to your shopping list! Join us in supporting Jewish Family Services by donating gift cards to places like Walmart, Kroger, and Food Lion. Gift cards allow people to buy fresh produce, milk, juice, etc.
Toiletries Requested
The Social Action Committee is collecting toiletries (feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorants, etc) to donate to the homeless, those experiencing housing insecurity, and others in need. Both full-sized and single-use toiletries are welcome. Please drop them off outside the RST office. We will be donating our upcoming collection to Transitions Family Violence Services.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF), an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administers two museums of early American history, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
JYF fosters an understanding and awareness of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation.
*We spotlight nonprofits suggested by members of the congregation or those we think may be of interest as they relate to social action.
The mention of services or links to non-RST sites does not indicate an official endorsement or responsibility by RST for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, nor does it guarantee the validity of the information provided.
️ ICYMI – EJ’s D’var Torah from 9/14 and More!
Since so many of you asked, here is a copy of EJ Tench’s thoughtful D’var Torah and the USCJ/Keshet resource guide: Yachad/Together: Welcoming Spaces for LGBTQ+ Jews. We are lucky to have such a knowledgeable professional from Keshet as a member of our congregation.
As we come together for the High Holidays, let’s also unite in support of those in need. Join our Operation Isaiah food drive and begin collecting non-perishable items. Together, we can make a difference Visit https://www.rodefsholomtemple.org/high-holidays-5784/project-isaiah/ for more information. #OperationIsaiah #HighHolidays #TikkunOlam
Gift Card Donations Requested
Add “gift cards” to your shopping list! Join us in supporting Jewish Family Services by donating gift cards to places like Walmart, Kroger, and Food Lion. Gift cards allow people to buy fresh produce, milk, juice, etc.
Toiletries Requested
The Social Action Committee is collecting toiletries (feminine hygiene products, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorants, etc) to donate to the homeless, those experiencing housing insecurity, and others in need. Both full-sized and single-use toiletries are welcome. Please drop them off outside the RST office. We will be donating our upcoming collection to Transitions Family Violence Services.
⚖️ Nonprofit Spotlight of the Week
The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) also known as “The BRIDGE” is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit community organization that advocates for fair and humane immigration policies and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services, with a particular focus on Black people, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses.
*We spotlight nonprofits suggested by members of the congregation or those we think may be of interest as they relate to social action.
The mention of services or links to non-RST sites does not indicate an official endorsement or responsibility by RST for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, nor does it guarantee the validity of the information provided.
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