The Social Action Committee organizes and/or participates in social justice programs in the local community, as well as undertaking projects and activities related to issues of national and international humanitarian significance. Every member of the Temple is considered a member of this committee, and they participate in the activities of their choice with caring and commitment. That is how we can accomplish so much on such a continual basis!
We are also here to help facilitate, support and promote social action projects of the Youth Group, Religious School, Sisterhood and Men’s Club. We administer the Temple tzedakah box, enabling congregants to participate in the mitzvah of tzedakah, supporting many worthy causes, and educating Temple members about these causes. Our unique tzedakah box was created by VT member Sandra Mamis, and our CanJam bin was handcrafted by VT member Howard Himelstein.
Mostly we are “doing” rather than “meeting”. We are always seeking new participants of all ages and always welcome new ideas for projects. The following are our current on-going community activities, along with a link to a person that would be delighted to answer your questions if you’re interested in volunteering. Donations to the Temple’s Community Tzedakah Fund support a myriad of projects.
Join us! Marian Schwartz, Chairman socialaction@vassartemple.org
- Lunchbox ~ Provide requested food items for the month’s menu. Meat, canned and boxed goods may be dropped off in the Temple kitchen any time. And/or help cook or serve a Sunday meal for our neighbors in need at Lunch Box in the Family Partnership Center, North Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie. We collaborate on this project with the members of the Mid Hudson Islamic Assn. Young people age 13-17 are encouraged to volunteer, but must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Financial donations to the Temple’s Lunch Box Fund specifically help provide addtional supplies vital to this project. We participate at Lunch Box the first Sunday a month.
Contact:Paul Ciminello, project coordinator, Lunchbox@Vassartemple.org - CanJam ~ Whenever you come to Temple, please bring a non-perishable food item and deposit it in the CanJam bin. Especially needed are peanut butter, canned fish or other canned high-protein foods, cereal, spaghetti sauce, canned fruits, pasta, jelly and canned soup. Volunteers are needed once a month to take the food we collect to the food pantry of their choice. If you can help even once during the year
Contact: Joel & Claudia Kelson, canjam@vassartemple.org . To help with other additional annual projects sponsored by CanJam ( Souper Sale (December), Purim Pasta (March), Chametz Collection (Passover), and Protein Plenty (summer), contact Marian at socialaction@vassartemple.org - Hudson River Housing ~ At home, prepare a requested dish for a monthly supper, which will be delivered to residents of Liberty Station shelter for unhoused veterans in Poughkeepsie. In the Shelter Basket in the Temple, we also collect travel size or regular size toiletries and hygiene products (shampoo, soap, disposable razors, shaving cream, deodorant, tooth brushes, tooth paste, etc) for shelter residents.
Contact: Judy Harkavy, project coordinator, at shelter@vassartemple.org - Trim-a-Thanksgiving ~ We all work together! Congregants and religious school students donate nonperishable foods needed for Thanksgiving dinners. Congregants donate “free” frozen turkeys they have earned at supermarkets, or donate funds to purchase turkeys (“Turkey Trot”). Religious school students decorate gift baskets and create holiday cards. Temple teens arrange the nonperishables in gift baskets. All is donated to families in need in the community through partnership with local agencies. To help on the planning committee, please contact Marian socialaction@vassartemple.org
- Environmental Advocacy and Energy Efficiency: Susan Karnes Hecht at dayenudutchess@gmail.com
- DCIC Interfaith CROP Walk for Hunger (Fall) and Dutchess County Mitzvah Day (Spring) – Preparations for both begin early! We need reps from our Temple to help plan and organize our participation in these major events!
Contacts: CROPWalk–Ron Rosen,Team Leader, cropwalk@vassartemple.org, Mitzvah Day – Marian socialaction@vassartemple.org - Civic Engagement – The Civic Engagement Committee works on a nonpartisan basis, independently and also with local and national organizations, to expand voter participation and to help create a more just community and world. Contact: Howard Susser (Chmn). & Marge Groten (co-Chmn).at civicengagement@vassartemple.org . HIAS Welcoming Committee: Arthur Groten refugee@vassartemple.org
- Jewish Social Action Coalition- We are part of this alliance of 4 area synagogues and the Harding Club, in order to carry out social action projects of a larger scope. A primary program area has been support of the neediest families in the Poughkeepsie City School District, organizing twice monthly food distributions in coordination with the Regional Food Bank, providing elementary school children with basic clothing, underwear, hygiene items and school supplies, enrichment programming, holiday gifts, and coming in to provide support in the library and classroom. To become involved, contact Marian socialaction@vassartemple.org
