SOJAC Mitzvah Card 5784

The Social Justice Action Committee offers opportunities for WJC families to carry out mitzvot within the WJC community, the broader Larchmont/Mamaroneck community, and throughout the world. Our work is multifaceted, as we assist those in need while simultaneously aiming to address broader, underlying causes of injustice in our society.

This new year provides a new opportunity to take part. We are seeking to build a diverse and multi generational coalition of WJC members interested in Tikun Olam, repairing the world.
Please consider participating in our programs and events throughout the year. Signing up is an opportunity to show interest, not a commitment. A committee member will reach out to you with further information.

We look forward to expanding and deepening our work with your help!

1. BIKUR CHOLIM

Prepare or arrange meals for congregants for shivas, births and illnesses.

2. MITZVAH DAY AND HOLIDAY DRIVES

*MITZVAH DAY – November 19,2023
Donate needed items for our community partners:
● Sharing Shelf
● Community Resource Center
● HOPE Community Services
● AFYA Foundation
● Little Libraries.

Food Prep for Grassroots Grocery, Worker’s Center of the CRC and Hope Community Services
Partner with The Fuller Center for hands-on projects to help build and repair local homes.
B’nai Mitzvah collections, please contact us for more info
All ages welcome! No experience necessary.

3. HELP THE HUNGRY

Donate food, skills, or funds. Opportunities are available to cook for local organizations and for members of our WJC Community.
*Bring Your Breakfast Sept/Oct 2023
*Cooking for HOPE: With your help we continue cooking monthly for HOPE Soup Kitchen in New Rochelle
Provide the meal we miss during the Yom Kippur fast. Donate cereal and shelf-stabilized milk for families in need. Fill up the bag given out on Rosh Hashana and return on Yom Kippur
With your help, we will continue to prepare monthly meals needed for COOKING FOR HOPE

Organizations include:
● Larchmont/Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force
● HOPE Community Services
● Grassroots Grocery

4. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

*COMMUNITY DAY March 3,2024
A great opportunity for individuals and families to join together and prepare food, crafts and more for our neighbors in need at HOPE Community Services, Grassroots Grocery, Project Ezra and other worthy organizations.
*CRC HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE (date tba)

5. PASSOVER FUNDS AND SWEETS DRIVE/PROJECT EZRA/BRONX ELDERLY

Older children and teens are welcome and needed to participate in these projects.
● PROJECT EZRA LUNCHEON April 14, 2024
WJC builds community with Elders from the Lower East Side in this Jewish Peoplehood event. Welcome, entertain and get to know those who come to visit.
● Donate Passover funds and sweets for Project Ezra Elders
● Join volunteers from the Bronx Jewish Community Council and deliver Passover food to homebound Elders in the Northern Bronx

6. INTERFAITH INITIATIVES

Participate in a range of activities with other members from local houses of worship. We will deepen our ties with the local community.
Events include:
● AJC Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast
● Interfaith Thanksgiving
● Educational opportunities with Interfaith Clergy

7. RACIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES

● Join the WJC RACIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE Participate and develop programs
● Civil Rights trip to Alabama April 7-10, 2024: Join Rabbi Arnowitz and other WJC members as we explore the heart of the Civil Rights movement in Alabama.
● Join Read-Talk-Act (RTA) Interfaith/Interracial Book Group
● Work with the Fuller Center (formally Habitat for Humanity) and help build and repair a local home. Teens Welcome! No experience necessary!
● MLK Day education programming and Day of Service. Many opportunities for individuals and families!
● Mamaroneck Coalition for Affordable Housing (MCAH)
Advocacy and education regarding housing as well response to and amelioration of problems related to housing in our towns and villages.
WJC is a participant in the Coalition developing plans for short-term temporary housing and filling other needs in emergency situations.

8. IMMIGRATION/REFUGEES/ASYLUM SEEKERS

Join WJC’s Resettlement Committee to help refugees,asylum seekers and all immigrants from around the world living right here in Westchester.
Organizations include:
● Community Resource Center (CRC)
● Westchester Jewish Coalition for Immigrants (WJCI)
● Neighbors for Refugees (NFR)
● Interfaith Council for New Americans Westchester (ICNAW)
● HIAS

9.WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Learn about reproductive rights, period poverty and other issues regarding women.
Feminine Hygiene collection March 2024

10. EMERGENCY NEEDS

Help respond to immediate crises as they arise, both locally and globally. From COVID-19 to flooding, the global landscape is ever-changing.
Assist by making monetary and in-kind donations, providing temporary housing, etc We partner with:
● Community Resource Center (CRC)
● Mamaroneck Coalition for Affordable Housing(MCAH)
● Coalition for Community
● AFYA Foundation

11. SOJAC – SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTION COMMITTEE

Bring your thoughts,ideas and experience! Join SOJAC and Make a Difference!