“The world depends on three things: Torah, Worship, & Loving Deeds.” -Ethics of the Fathers 1:2
Temple Israel has a long history of embracing social action causes and helping others. Please check the calendar for current opportunities.
Ways to help and get involved:
Environmental Task Force Dear Adam and Eve God's Unfinished Business (GUB)
Mitzvah Day Temple's adopt-a-school, Wells Station Common Ground
Blood DrivesPlease donate blood at these blood drives at Temple Israel: September 12, 2010; November 21, 2010; February 13, 2011; April 10, 2011. Please RSVP to Julie Klein or call 335-9981.
Environmental Task ForceAs the "Rethink-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle" concept incorporates Torah-based ideals, the Temple Israel Environmental Task Force seeks to:
•Raise the level of awareness and consciousness regarding the need to use our resources in a forever sustainable manner
•Educate the Temple Israel family, the Memphis Jewish community, and the greater Memphis area regarding getting "green" and going "greener"
•Initiate and support "green" events, such as Cycle the Germantown Greenway (see Cycle photos) and the Eco Expo.
•Establish communications with and encourage other "green" groups, particularly religious-based groups and youth groups
| Rethink-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle with these Green Tip Sheets | ||
| Global Warming | Global Warming Update | Saving Gas |
| CFL Bulbs | Disposal of CFL Bulbs | Recycling |
| Composting | Water Conservation | |
The URJ's website, Greening Reform Judaism, is a "comprehensive web resource on greening and other environmental issues." Check it out.
If you are a Temple member and would like to get involved with the Environmental Task Force, please contact Linda Kaplan.
Cycle the Germantown GreenwayThis year's event was June 6, 2010. (And thank you to the over 250 people who participated in this terrific event on June 7, 2009 that raised $7,000 for the Wolf River Conservancy.) Check out pictures and this video!
Eco Expo Circle January 23, 2011 for Eco Expo III, another installment of this forward thinking event!
The Commercial Appeal covered the inaugural Eco Expo:
• Raising Eco Awareness
• Eco Expo Preaches Waste Not Resources
God's Unfinished Business
It all started with a sermon from Rabbi Danziger over 25 years ago. Temple members have been helping other Temple members with this outreach program, affectionately known as GUB, ever since. Condolence telephone calls, hospital visits, and delivering meals are a few of the loving deeds that volunteers perform.
If you are a Temple member in need of a service GUB provides, contact Cantor John Kaplan at (901) 937-2763 or email GUB. If you are a Temple member and would like to help provide the services GUB offers, download and print the GUB pamphlet, fill out the form, and return it to Temple.
The image of the hands pictured above was drawn by Cantor Kaplan's mother, Peggy Kaplan, and it captures the spirit of GUB: working hand-in-hand to help others.
Mitzvah Day Mitzvah Day is Temple's congregation-wide day of community service. Filled with the spirit of tikkun olam—the repair of the world—hundreds of volunteers of all ages reach out into the community to make a difference. Mitzvah Day is November 7, 2010.The chairs for 2010 are L to R: Brett Cohen, Paul Royal, Jimmy Ringel, Elaine Cohen, Natalie Royal, Cathy Poulin, and Janice Ringel.
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