Social Action committee is chaired by Kathy Backal (856-719-6672) and Michelle Billig (856-424-3050). Please contact either  of them with questions or suggestions.

The Social Action committee is interested in volunteers for a single project or an ongoing commitment. That is why we divided the year into monthly projects so the congregation can pick and choose. We would like to hear from anyone who has a project of interest that we would try and incorporate existing ones. We would like to partner with any of the arms to help publicize an event or be of assistance.

See below for Beth El News --November  , 2008

Social Action September--August Continuing Programs

There will follow the year’s Mitzvah of the Month and Tzadakah of the Month. As an incentive to our Hebrew students and ECC students an ice cream party will be given to the class that collects the most money. This is generously provided by our Rabbis. Anyone interested in helping with a special project or in general should contact socialaction@bethelsnj.org .

On going projects:

1. Visiting the sick (Bikum Holeem) contact Patti Bourke, Pattigrail@comcast.net)

2. Boker Tov, daily phone calls to check on our elderly members, contact Anouk Backal

3. Chessed, a delivery of Kosher meals to members of our congregation. The congregation needs to identify those who could benefit from the meal and arrange to deliver it. Do not ask the recipient; you will probably get no for an answer.

Social Action at a glance

September

Packages for Samaritan Hospice: They have a specific Jewish Hospice Program. We need Jars of honey, cake, nuts, a jar (can) of fish, and Kedem grape juice. Deadline September 18^th. Tzadakah will be donated to Hospice.

October

Homelessness is the mitzvah.Clothing and coats. Katrina victims are still in need. Tzadakah will go to a homeless organization.

November

Dried Stuffing collection for Caring Hearts Ministry-need not be Kosher.

Organ, Blood, and Bone Marrow registry for November 11^th drive

Women’s Evening which will benefit our Sister Cities in Israel. Project Sarah from JF

Tzadakah will go to Mazon, a Jewish group that feeds the hungry.

December

Toy Drive and party for Cooper Hospital. Anyone with an idea for a second toy drive please contact the committee by September 5^th –these things take some planning.

January

Katie’s Krusaders, raising money and awareness for children’s cancer by building a Ronald McDonald House at St. Christopher’s Hospital.

February

Raising money and awareness of disease, which personally impact on our Beth El family. Events will be scheduled.

March

The focus is on hunger. Turkey collection from supermarket receipts to make someone’s Peseta memorable. Providing Samaritan Hospice with Pesach baskets containing the same items as Rosh Hashana but with Matzoh. Deadline will be March 23^rd.

April

Raising awareness of Conservative Judaism in Israel. Tzadakah will go to Masori Oli.

May

The Race for the Cure, benefiting Susan Koman Breast Cancer Fund will again be supported by Beth El which provides a bus to go to the race site. Tzadakah will go to this organization.

June-August

Kids Alley a group in Camden providing backpacks filled with school supplies and uniforms for needy kids in Camden so they can start school just like other kids with new clothes and backpacks.

Tzadakah will go to the fund that buys new uniforms.

The Beth El News will provide more information regarding each month.

We have covered a lot of ground, geographically, socially, and ethnically. I hope there is something that tugs at your heart and makes you want to help out. Out shul has come a very long way but there is still some distance to yet cover.

WON”T YOU HELP!!!!

From the Beth El News--November ,  2008

Social Action has gotten off to a fantastic start. We had a lot of new members join that are so excited to get involved and we welcome everyone. Last month we were devoted to ovarian cancer awareness, and members gathered together to make quilts for women suffering with this horrible disease. We hope everyone read the warnings sign and will pass them on to others so we can spread the word and help put a stop to this deadly disease.

This month social action is focusing on giving thanks for all we have and helping those both near and far. We should be thankful for our freedom and saftey and therefore we are collecting "treats for troops". Lisa and David Kirsten members fo Beth El have a son, Anthony, serving in Iraq. They are spearheading this project and we are honored to help and support them. We will be collecting items this month for these packages and the fourth grade religious school class will be putting the packages together to be sent to our soldiers. The donations need to be sent in by 11/16. So please help us.

The list consists of: tuna in foil pouches, gum, tic tacs, microwavable easy mac, Chips/pretzels, beef jerky, dental flosses picks, tasty cakes (no chocolate), non aerosol bug spray, pillows, chap stick, dvd's, travel size-hand lotion, toothpaste,mouthwash,shower gel and soaps, and deodorant.

This month we will also be serving, along with sisterhood, a thanksgiving feast to the children at the Camden Boys and Girls Club. We need volunteers. Lastly, tzedakah collected at school will go the help families that are served at our food bank to make their holidays joyous and plentiful. Another portion will go to Siderot JNF/Helicopter fund to help Israel stay safe and free.
All of these projects are wonderful ways to give thanks for all we have and help those that help us or need our help. Please get involved and show your thanks.
Sincerely,

Michelle Alberti-Billig and Cathy Backal