Nearly two thousand years ago Rabbi Tarfon said, “You are not required to complete the work, but neither are you free to absent yourself from it.”
There is so much brokenness in our world that the task of repairing it seems nearly overwhelming. Nonetheless, we are called to take responsibility for the society in which we live. Though the task is great, the opportunity to make an impact is limitless. One need only take the first step.
Social justice is a core value of Judaism. Our community’s commitment to social justice in the world is an integral part of who we are at Central Synagogue. It is truly a way of life for our community and throughout the year we pursue justice in all its forms.
Breakfast Program
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contact: Robin Cowitt
The Breakfast Program, formerly known as the Caring Committee Feeding Program, is among Central Synagogue’s longest ongoing social justice projects. Originally conceived and implemented by longtime congregant Nat Shapiro in 1983, the Breakfast Program was started in response to Mayor Koch’s outcry for New York City’s religious institutions to respond to an exploding homeless and hungry problem. Today, many clients of the Breakfast Program are working poor who greatly appreciate and regularly rely on the warm, nutritious start to their day. Volunteers assemble every Thursday and Friday morning in Stern Lobby (Community House) to prepare and serve the most important meal of the day. A bag lunch is also handed out to clients. These lunches are prepared the prior evening as part of Central Synagogue’s Sandwich Making Program. Your commitment to this important project is needed: Thursday and Friday mornings, 6:00am - 7:30am.
Weekly Projects
Sandwich Making
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contacts: Sue Brown
Clients of our weekly Breakfast Program are also sent away with a freshly prepared bag lunch. These sandwiches are made in advance by dedicated groups of volunteers including Nursery School parents, Religious School students, Young Professionals and Social Justice volunteers. Your commitment to this important project is needed on Thursdays (daytime and evening sessions planned).
English in Action
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-677-5664 Contact: Ros Harber
At English in Action, a program of the English-Speaking Union that helps foreigners in NYC feel at home with our language and culture, volunteer tutors meet one-on-one each week at Central with their assigned student for two hours of self-directed conversation. Those who are tutored may be students here for graduate studies, or spouses of UN or corporate employees, as well as immigrants hoping to obtain American citizenship. The tutors learn as much about their student’s country and culture as the students learn about the U.S. Lasting bonds are often formed between tutors and students. Long-time congregant Ros Harber, the daughter of a Hungarian immigrant who struggled to learn English as a teenager, has coordinated this program at Central for the last three decades. Your commitment to this important project is needed: Thursday mornings, 10:30am - 12:30pm.
Why Knot Knit?
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contact: Michele Klausner
Every Wednesday morning, experienced knitters are busy creating beautiful pieces of clothing for New Yorkers in need. Extra hands are always welcome. Not sure how to knit? This is also a great way to learn! Your commitment to this important project is needed: Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Monthly Projects
God’s Love We Deliver
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contact: Andrew Bart
Once a month, Social Justice volunteers are invited to participate in a special “hands-on” opportunity preparing meals for seriously ill New Yorkers. Organized by congregant Andrew Bart, Central Synagogue is a present force at God’s Love We Deliver, a Lower East Side organization dedicated to improving the lives of New Yorkers who struggle with life-threatening health conditions. Your commitment to this important project is needed: one Sunday per month. RSVPs are always required.
Ronald McDonald House
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contact: Jennifer Farber and Tara Mahini
When out-of-town families bring their sick children to New York City for medical treatment, they often need an affordable and comfortable place to stay for extended periods of time. The Ronald McDonald House provides such a place. As a treat for the families, who are responsible for their own meals, Central Synagogue volunteers serve special dinners and breakfasts (food is donated) several times during the year. This heartwarming experience allows volunteers to connect directly with people in need of a mitzvah. Because of the compromised immune systems of many of the patients, volunteers should be in well health when they arrive. Also volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Upcoming dates are listed in Luach and RSVPs are required.
Annual Projects
Blood Drives
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 1012 Contact: Tess Chanoch
Twice a year, during especially critical times for the local blood supply, Central Synagogue’s members and neighbors help to give the gift of strength, health and life to another and fulfill the essential Jewish mitzvah of pikuach nefesh - saving a life. In July and December, Central Synagogue hosts a drive with the New York Blood Center, which supplies blood to many New York City hospitals. In general, donors must be at least 17 years old (16 year-olds can donate with a pre-signed parental consent form), and weigh at least 110 pounds. There are some medical conditions and travel histories that may prevent one from giving blood for a certain period of time. For more information, call 1-800-688-0900. For basic preparation guidelines and the donation process, go to the New York Blood Center’s Web site. Upcoming dates are listed in the Luach and RSVPs are requested.
Habitat For Humanity
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contact: Carol Ann Ross
Several times throughout the year, Central Synagogue volunteers help to build homes with Habitat for Humanity in New York City. A typical workday lasts from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. No construction experience is necessary - anyone can help! Your commitment to this important project is needed: at various intervals throughout the year including on Mitzvah Day! Check Luach or contact the SJC for information on the next build.
Mitzvah Day at Central Synagogue
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone 212-838-5122, ext. 5009
Every November, Central Synagogue partners with a number of charitable organizations throughout the city to host Mitzvah Day. Started in 1997 through a generous donation by the Eric Wasserman Fund for Community Outreach, Mitzvah Day has become a family tradition for so many members of Central Synagogue. There are more than a dozen on-site and off-site projects for volunteers of all ages including baking, knitting, garden clean-up, blood donation, spending time with the elderly and visiting a women’s shelter. Our 13th Annual Mitzvah Day will be held Sunday, November 14, 2010. If you would like to serve as a project captain and support the Mitzvah Day planning efforts, please contact us now.
Ongoing Projects
Interfaith Trialogue
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009 Contact: Steve Cotton
In partnership with Marble Collegiate Church and local mosques, Central Synagogue’s Interfaith Trialogues strive to build interfaith relationships among Jews, Christians and other faiths. These trialogues take place throughout the year and are advertised in Luach.
Rise and Shine
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 2003 Contact: Caren Keller
Dates: Sundays throughout the year, check the calendar for upcoming dates
Bring the warmth and support of Central to members of our extended community who are in need of friendship and hope. Various volunteer opportunities.
Social Justice Committee
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone: 212-838-5122, ext. 5009
Upcoming Social Justice Events
- Breakfast Program
November 8, 2012 at 6:00am - English in Action
November 8, 2012 at 10:30am - Why Knot Knit?
December 31, 2012 at 10:00am