Social Action

CBH members work towards building bridges and ensuring justice in our communities and around the world.  To get involved, check out the volunteer opportunities below or  contact Social Action chairperson Elisa Sananman, 908-654-4129. 

Thought-provoking conversations about race

Join us for four special Sunday afternoons dedicated to challenging what we think we know and believe about race in America.  Because “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” --James Baldwin

November 5: Voices of The Moth Radio Hour--Hear and share true, personal stories

January 28: I Am Not Your Negro--screening and discussion of award-winning documentary on black history and the politics of race

February 25: Read James Baldwin's challengin Essay on Black Anti-Semitism and join us for discussion and pizza, February 25, 5:00 pm.  

April 29:  Poetry Night--Citizen: An American Lyric, Cynthia Rankine's genre-defying look at race in American daily life

JOBS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES

Our congregation participates in a coalition to assist Syrian refugees.  One of our primary missions is to help them become self-sufficient.  Do you know of a job opportunity?
 
Our job-seekers qualify for a range of jobs, from drivers to skilled craftsmen to professionals with advanced degrees, and they are eager for work.  All are authorized for work in the US.  Possible jobs would be as workers in restaurants, factories, or warehouses; limousine drivers, delivery drivers, etc.  For example, with help of one of our congregants, one of our refugees has become a limousine driver.
 
The International Rescue Committee in Elizabeth banks the jobs and screens and interviewis applicants. 
If you know of a position, please contact Naomi Gelfand, at naomigelfand@gmail.com.
 

OUTREACH TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES

Each year, Bridges makes over 200 "runs", outreach visits providing food, clothing and necessities to 500 people.  We help by getting together to assemble bag lunches and toiletry packs and distribute them to clients in Newark and Irvington.  

FEEDING HUNGRY SUMMIT RESIDENTS

On the first Sunday of every month, Beth Hatikvah works with SHIP (Summit Helping Its People) to provide supper for anyone who could use a home-cooked meal (usually about 10-15 people). We buy food, cook, set up, serve, and clean up. This is a great way to introduce kids to the idea that Tikkun Olam is not only about putting coins in the tzedakah can. Kids of all ages can help shop, prep, or cook, and those in 5th grade or above can help set up, serve, and cleanup. Want to join us one month, or find out more? Contact Nancy Yacker.

After a brief Shabbat service, expert speakers address issues of importance to our community.

Coming Up:

April 13, Providing Help for Autistic Children and Their Families (Dr. Michael Riemer, President of Spectrum 360)

May 22, The Challenges Facing Pro-Israel Students on Campus

June 8, Living Out Loud in the Age of Trump: Issues Facing the LGBTQ Community in 2018