Our congregation is committed to doing mitzvot, whether they are performed as a large Temple community, in small groups, or as individuals. The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) is central to our Congregation’s philosophy. Our Social Action program serves to help provide opportunities for each congregant to engage in meaningful efforts to help those in need and to achieve social justice.

As one TSTI community, we annually collect non-perishable food during the High Holidays for donation to foodbanks and other social service organizations. Throughout the year, trial sized toiletries (including hotel “freebies”) are collected; these are distributed to Bridges Outreach (along with clothing, collected only during October & November) as part of STISY’’S annual November Midnight Run for the homeless.

TSTI supports these ongoing social action opportunities organized by congregants :

·        Newark Connection – two current projects to enrich the lives of our neighbors:
        ---Women for Women – inspire Newark Tech female high school students by giving a presentation on your profession. Contact Robin Greenberg at robin.doug@verizon.net or 973 – 761-4326
        ---Newark After-School Enrichment – enrich the lives of Newark students age 5-11 in an afterschool program at St. Anne’s. Do an enrichment project on your choosing (exs: crafts, sports, reading, dramatics, music). Great for kids as well as adults! Contact Arlene Gordon at jecasago@aol.com or 973-376-0883.
·        Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges – distribution of food at pantry every fifth Wednesday morning. Organized by the Women’s Connection. Contact Janet Schwamm jschwamm@gmail.com or 973-379-2533.
·        Habitat for Humanity – build homes for local low-income families on specified dates. Contact Barbara Laub. Blaub2@gmail.com or 973-763-8379.
·        Dress for Success –collect and deliver professional clothing for disadvantaged women to promote economic independence. Contact Susan Siegeltuch at SiegeltuchSD@aol.com or 973-378-8635.
·        Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive – local collection site for the Community FoodBank of NJ. Saturday before Thanksgiving. Contact Lisa Goldberg Ozer at ozerfam@verizon.,net or 973-762-2887.
·       Soup Kitchen – our ongoing monthly project to cook and serve Sunday lunch at a soup kitchen is on hiatus as we search for a new location (our former soup kitchen at The Lighthouse no longer operates). Contact Debbie Goodman debbiegoodman@comact.net or 973 912 8009 or Debbie Granados at 4granados@verizon.net or 973 761-5357 if you’d like to be on our soup kitchen list.
.

So how does a mitzvah project happen at Temple? If you have an idea about a great project that you want to coordinate, please contact Arlene Gordonjecasago@aol.com or 973-376-0883. She will help facilitate your organizing the project and making it happen at TSTI.

How else can you help? Our revised Mitzvah Directory contains an extensive listing of mitzvah opportunities, primarily local or projects with Jewish connections. We list community service projects; political action ideas; teen summer opportunities; even ways to “click” and do good!  Check out the directory for many places to donate all those things cluttering your home that could be so helpful to others (and often provide you with a tax deduction as well): clothing, baby items, furniture, appliances, household goods, food, and more.

The Reform Movement takes an active role in many pressing issues of our times, including those that affect people nationally and worldwide. For greater insight into the Reform commitment, see urj.org/socialaction. For fifty years, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has educated and mobilized the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns as an advocate in Congress on issues ranging from Israel and Soviet Jewry to economic justice; from civil rights to international peace and religious liberty. If you are interested in political action, visit rac.org to find out about action you can take to help repair the world

Do you own a business or have a career you are excited about? Would you like to share your experience and expertise with young women? TSTI is answering the call of Newark Mayor Cory Booker and collaborating with Newark Technical High School on an assembly program to expose interested female students to career opportunities. THIS IS A ONE-TIME COMMITMENT AND DAY AND TIME ARE FLEXIBLE. If you are interested in making a presentation, contact congregants Robin Greenberg and Meridith Silverman.

Our annual Dress for Success collection will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 9am to 1pm. Clean, gently used women's professional attire (including accessories) can be delivered to Temple.