Social Action

"Seek peace and pursue it". These words from the Torah stand on our sanctuary wall, and they live and breathe inside our community. Beth David provides many avenues for volunteers to contribute energy, talents, and resources to help those in need, and thereby "repair the world", tikkun olam.

The Social Action committee organizes much of Beth David's work. Our auxiliary groups — Beth David Men, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), and Beth David Youth Group (BethDY) — and the Religious School all select and carry out their own social action activities as well. Groups work together, making our programs that much more successful and strengthening our community ties.

Social Action Committee

This hard-working group guides and coordinates many of Beth David's social action endeavors. Some projects are ongoing, such as collecting food at High Holidays and year-round for the Mitzvah Pantry. Others change from year to year, responding to need and reflecting the interests and passions of the committee members. Any member willing to suggest and spearhead a project will find him- or herself supported in doing so.

The highlight of our social action activity is the annual Mitzvah Day, when Beth David as a whole — all interested members, the Religious School, Beth David Men, Beth David Youth, and WRJ (Women of Reform Judaism) — join with the Social Action Committee to roll up our sleeves and work on behalf of people in need. The day benefits a wide variety of organizations, both in our community and around the world. For a list of Mitzvah Day 2010 activities and sponsors, click here. Contact Rachel Dalinka or Marcy Shoemaker for more details.

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)

In 1991 Beth David was one of the organizing congregations, under the leadership of Rabbi Henry Cohen, of the Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line. Beth David is now one of twelve houses of worship, and the only synagogue, to participate in this work. The program is made of congregations that provide shelter in their houses of worship, meals, and guidance to families who find themselves temporarily homeless. Up to four guest families live at Beth David for one week, approximately every 12 weeks. During that time about 50 volunteers provide food for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, prepare the meal and join the IHN guests for dinner, stay over at Beth David with the guests, assist children with homework if needed, and generally create a safe and comfortable place for families going through a difficult time. Volunteers are always welcome, please contact Vicki Lipoff for more information and the next dates that IHN will be at Beth David.

Gladwyne Jewish Cemetery

Beth David is the legal caretaker of the Gladwyne Jewish Cemetery, a nearby, century-old Jewish burial ground re-discovered by hikers in the 1980s. We took on this responsibility as part of the solution to a lengthy court battle against developers who wanted to develop the land and move the bodies buried there.

As caretaker, Beth David's charge is to clear away decades' worth of overgrowth and to make the land a respectable burial ground and a viable place to visit once more. The work is organized by Beth David Men, in cooperation with the Social Action Committee, usually once in the spring and once in the fall. Often the work is coordinated with other groups, and open to anyone who wants to help.

Leheyot

Every year since the 1980s, Beth David hosts a special service, Shabbat Leheyot, dedicated to the disabled population in Lower Merion and beyond. The service serves dual purposes: giving disabled men and women the honor of coming up to the Bimah (pulpit) to participate in the service, and showing appreciation for the family members, social workers, and others who spend their time caring for the disabled. This moving service brings Beth David together with Jews and non-Jews from a number of local organizations, including JFCS (Jewish Family and Children's Service Network), JCHAI (Judith Creed Homes for Adult Independence), ADD (Adults with Developmental Disabilities), Inglis House, and TIKVAH (Advocates for Jewish People with Mental Disabilities).

Aid for Friends

Several times throughout the year, the Aid for Friends Committee hosts a Cook-in. Congregants of all ages, including many children, come together at Beth David to prepare and freeze 500 meals, assembly-line style, to benefit Aid for Friends. This organization delivers heat-and-serve meals to elderly shut-ins, who would otherwise have very limited access to hot, healthy foods. Contact the committee for more information.

Caring Community

At Beth David we are fortunate to have a group of volunteers willing to provide meals, rides, and other assistance to members in need. We are also fortunate that we don't need their services very often! This work allows volunteers to provide tikkun olam at home, at Beth David, as well as for those outside our community. The committee falls under the supervision of the Women of Reform Judaism, WRJ. Contact chairs June Appel or Roberta Ruvin for more information.