Mitzvah Moments - November 2017
Your monthly news & updates
on how you can Tikkun Olam
Dear TBE Tikkun Olam Community,

This week's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah , teaches us about the importance of coming together for the greater good. Toward the end of the parsha, Abraham passes away, and is buried next to his wife Sarah, by his sons Isaac and Ishmael. Before Ishmael was born, it is known that he would be in constant conflict with his relatives. Yet Ishmael defies this prophecy by traveling over 700 miles to be with his brother to bury Abraham and mourn. Both Isaac and Ishmael set aside their divisive history as well as their feelings of anger and jealousy, to be there for their father and each other.

We may have conflicts in our lives similar to that of Ishmael and Isaac, whether they be with family or friends. The pain and anger we feel can certainly not be denied, but like with these brothers as well as others in the book of Genesis, it cannot be the end of our story. There will be opportunities this month, on the streets of Boston and at our thanksgiving meals, to come together. We must repair ourselves, and our relationships, in order to repair our world.

L'shalom,
Sandy
Tzedakah and Drives
In our Tzedakah Box this month 
Community Servings
Community Servings is a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. They give their clients, their dependent families, and caregivers appealing, nutritious meals, and send the message to those in greatest need that someone cares. Donate in our Tzedakah box in the atrium, and learn more about how you can support Community Servings farther down in the email!!
What are we collecting?
Fall and Winter Collections
Mark your calendars and drop off donations during our fall drives. We will have bins in the atrium for the following collections:
  • Canned Salmon (or Tuna)
  • Cereal
  • Gently used Winter Outerwear including coats, mittens, boots and snowpants for all ages and sizes
  • NEW unwrapped Toys for ages infant through teen
Direct Service
CASA Serves Boston Veterans
Wednesday, November 8, 11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Join CASA as we honor and serve our Boston veterans at the New England Center and Home for Veterans. CASA volunteers will serve lunch, assist in clean-up, and share in conversation with lunchtime guests. NECHV is a national leader in housing and serving veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with 250 male and female guests lodged each night and 100,000 meals served annually. The Center also provides education, employment, clinical, and housing support.
  • Flash Drive: Also, through November 8, Please help us collect much-needed men and women’s socks and underwear (new, unopened, sizes Medium, Large, and XXL) for NECHV guests! Donations can be dropped in the labelled collection bags in the TBE Atrium.
Pie Baking for Community Servings at TBE!
Sunday, November 19
We are using the TBE kitchen to bake pies as a part of Pie in the Sky! Come to TBE to help support Community Servings as we help feed our critically ill neighbors. Contact Moe Blaustein at the link.
CASA Serves at Pine Street
Sunday, December 3, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm (main shelter), 10:00am - 1:00pm (Brunch Club)
CASA volunteers will prepare and serve brunch at the impressive Pine Street main shelter, or prepare, serve, and share brunch with residents at the Park Street transitional housing unit. Up to 15 volunteers. 
Learning and Social Justice
If Not Now, Tell Me When
On Kol Nidre, Rabbi Saphire reminded us of our tradition's imperative to protect the world we live in. Get a sneak-peek of our new Green Fund for Environmental Sustainability, which will empower TBE to reduce the carbon footprint of our institution and our community.
Give Light: Spiritual Nature for Climate Activism - An Interactive workshop led by Reverend Fred Small.
Sunday, November 12, 2:00 - 4:00pm, First Parish in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave, Needham MA 02492
Join TBE Green and the Greater Boston Community in committing to carbon reduction! As we come to understand the gravity of climate disruption, it's easy to become disheartened. How do we convert informed anxiety into effective action in our congregation, community, state, nation, and world? In this interactive climate activism resilience workshop, Rev. Fred Small will invite us into meditation, reflection, conversation, and song, strengthening our spirits and deepening our resolve in the struggle for climate justice.
GBIO State House Action
Monday, November 13, 1:00pm. Massachusetts State House, Grand Staircase (floor 2)
Please join the TBE Racial Justice Initiative and our allies at a GBIO State House Action on Criminal Justice Reform. Over 150 GBIO members and clergy allies from across the state will gather in support of GBIO’s criminal justice reform priorities.  We invite you to attend and hear from constituents, house speakers, and other advocates for criminal justice reform.
Disturbing the Peace
Tuesday, November 14, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Disturbing the Peace is a story of the human potential unleashed when we stop participating in a story that no longer serves us and, with the power of our convictions, take action to create new possibilities. The film follows former enemy combatants - Israeli soldiers from elite units and Palestinian fighters, many of whom served years in prison - who have joined together to challenge the status quo and say "enough." While based in the Middle East, Disturbing the Peace evokes universal themes relevant to us all and inspires us to become active participants in the creation of our world.
Unlocking Potential by Supporting Education Behind Bars
Monday, December 4, 7:00pm
TBE’s Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) is forging a new partnership with PARTAKERS, a community organization that provides education support to incarcerated men and women in Massachusetts. Join us as we hear from Partakers Executive Director Arthur Bembury about the College Behind Bars Mentoring Program and the transformative power of education in prison. We will also learn about forming our own RJI mentor teams to work with incarcerated students. 

We hope you will stay after Arthur’s presentation to learn more about RJI’s education and advocacy efforts. The Racial Justice Initiative engages TBE members to work toward a community transformed by a deeper understanding and activism on issues of racial injustice. RSVP to Ediss Gandelman at the link.
Take Action Right Now
Call your State Representative about Criminal Justice Reform!
Right now, at your computer or on your phone - no prep needed.
The Massachusetts State Senate passed a Criminal Justice Reform bill! Now it's the House's turn. By using a new tool developed by the JCRC, you can contact your state representative with a click of a button, with a phone script right in front of you. Learn more and take action at the link! If you have any questions, please contact Sheri Kassirer.
Reform Movement National Call in Day about the Dream Act
Today, Monday, November 6, at your computer or on your phone - no prep needed
Join the URJ's efforts to pass a clean Dream Act by participating in a national Reform Movement Call-in Day. On November 6th, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is calling upon the entire community to call their elected officials to make our support for the Dream Act known. Please join us by making three calls on Monday – one to your Representative, and one to each of your two Senators. You can click the link to learn more about the RAC's campaign and how you can make a difference.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Syrian Refugee Resettlement Team
Thursday, December 7, 7:30pm
We will review the progress of the Syrian families; learn what HIAS and JFS have planned for the future of the humanitarian project; and discuss what our TBE plans are going forward as the families approach the end of their first year in the U.S. RSVP to Michael Gilman.
Save the Date!
CASA at Christmas in the City
Sunday, December 17, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
CASA returns to Christmas in the City, an amazing one-day event that welcomes thousands of Greater Boston’s homeless children and families. This is an enormous party with a circus-like atmosphere, where families can enjoy the holiday despite the challenges of living in a shelter. Each child receives a gift chosen especially for them! Adults and teens 16+ invited -- come prepared to work hard and be incredibly moved by this experience. We'll need 30 volunteers for this event!
Support TBE Members Doing Good Works
Act on Nursing Home Reform
The Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (MANHR) is the only consumer advocacy group in Massachusetts fighting on behalf of people forced to live in nursing homes. We need your help to continue the effort to ensure quality care, safety and dignity in living for 40,000 Massachusetts nursing home residents. You can help by joining TBE member Martin Alintuck and 1) clicking on the link below and making a contribution to the fight; 2) sharing the link with your friends and contacts on Facebook, Instagram, twitter and via email as the more people who see it, the more successful the campaign will be. 
Maven Project
TBE Physicians - Retired, Semi-Retired, In Industry and In Practice: 
Use your clinical expertise and make a difference - join us for an easy, fun, flexible and rewarding opportunity! The MAVEN Project is seeking physicians to volunteer 4 hours per month to provide clinical consultative advice to communities with limited access to clinical expertise via telehealth. Join TBE Member Lisa Bard Levine in this exciting and meaningful opportunity! Click the link to learn more or volunteer.
Help Needed
Help us help repair the world!
Volunteers Needed for TBE Literacy Program
Share your love for reading with children in a one-to-one setting. Join our literacy team at the Potter Road School in Framingham for a rewarding volunteer experience reading with a child (or two) for one hour during the week. No prior experience required.
Support Congregants in Times of Joy and Sorrow
Our tradition tells us that deeds of loving kindness are equal in weight to all of the commandments. Learn more about opportunities to mark sacred moments and offer meaningful outreach to guide our community. The TBE Caring Community works in partnership with Cantor Sufrin and Rabbi Sherman and invites congregants to join our committees.
Be a Big Brother or Big Sister
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, one of the nation’s oldest mentoring organizations, transforms lives through friendship. Be a mentor to children and adults with disabilities. Approximately 40 Little Brothers and Sisters, and a roughly equal number of adults with disabilities, are waiting on a right-fit match.  
In Case You Missed It...
"Paying it Forward", by Lina Musayev
TBE Member Lina Musayev uses the term "Paying it forward" to describe why she joined the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Team as a family volunteer. Learn about Lina's journey in the November Bulletin - page 3.
"A Mass. Model for Criminal Justice Reform" in the Boston Globe
A Boston Globe editorial about the Criminal Justice Reform Legislation around which our TBE Racial Justice Initiative, in partnership with the Greater Boston Interfaith organization, is organizing.
Tikkun Olam Calendar!
Along with our new newsletter, we are launching a calendar of all of our Tikkun Olam Opportunities, right on the website. In one central place, see how you can repair the world with TBE! 
What are Mitzvah Moments?
This Mitzvah Moments monthly e-newsletter provides a monthly snapshot of upcoming Tikkun Olam events, with links to more information. The goal of the newsletter is to improve communication, lift awareness of Tikkun Olam events and provide opportunities for the TBE community to come together throughout the year to combine community, compassion and connection.

The ultimate goal of Tikkun Olam at TBE is to provide integrated “Mitzvah Moments” throughout the year which enable the whole temple community to participate in direct service opportunities, education about social justice, and/or collection drives—thereby linking our Jewish values to the act of doing/serving, compassionate giving, and affecting change—in ourselves and in the world around us. 
Tikkun Olam Youth and Community Organizer
Vice President of Tikkun Olam