As we enter the high holidays, I am happy to provide an update about Essex Together, a great social action program I invite you to learn about and participate in: Continue reading
Category Archives: Social Action
MESH Report Sept 12, 2023
Our team for this first MESH of the year included Linda Ariel, Lou Hammerman, Lynne Kurzweil and me (Sarita Eisenberg).
We made our signature dish of barbeque chicken – each guest received 2 drumsticks with a generous side of roasted potatoes and a slice of bread. The meal also included a serving of cole slaw, fuit cup, cookies (left over from Selichot), and a bottle of water. Continue reading
MESH Needs You!
We need you!!! Shomrei has cut back to providing 2 meals every month – down from our decade long commitment of every Tuesday evening. If we consolidate our people power we hope to be able to provide 50 meals twice monthly without the task repeatedly falling on the shoulders of a few dedicated volunteers. The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays will be our dates and we usually begin preparing at 2 pm. Continue reading
Terrific News from Essex Together
I am happy to share a victory achieved by Essex Together, just two months into its founding.
As you may recall, JerseyCity together had significant progress this past spring in the elimination of unnecessary and unfair fines, fees and outstanding warrants incurred by individuals who recently left prison or are currently incarcerated. Continue reading
MESH Report June 29, 2023
We started out the MESH year making 20 meals, then 30. For this last MESH of the year, we upped the number to 50 meals.
Our MESH team included the trusty trio of Linda Ariel, Lou Hammerman and me (Sarita Eisenberg) plus Lynne Kurzweil. Aileen Grossberg provided the bread and dessert and delivered the packed food.
Announcing the Zelda & Rabbi David Greenstein Fund for Social Justice
Thanks to an initial anonymous donation, the Congregation Shomrei Emunah Zelda and Rabbi David Greenstein Fund for Social Justice Fund is being established to support special projects that represent Zelda’s and the Rabbi’s legacy. Shomrei congregants can submit a proposal to apply for funds that will be used by the member or a group of members to advance the Shomrei community’s commitment to and involvement in social justice. Continue reading
MESH Report June 6, 2023
As announced, Chef Fern Heinig prepared her fabulous, tasty and healthy Mediterranean Salmon Feast for 30. In order to accommodate the 50 guests that have been frequenting the Office location at 619 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair, the Girls Club of Glen Ridge, a new MESH Partner, provided 20 additional meals. Continue reading
The Greening of Shomrei, Part 1: Let It Rot!
A few weeks ago, the Friday morning Kiddush prep volunteers started to save their vegetable and fruit scraps for composting, rather than placing them into the garbage. This initiative was the result of a brainstorm I had one morning.
Essex Together: An Update and Ways to Participate
I am happy to report that Shomrei is now a founding member of Essex Together, joining 10 other faith based and nonprofit organizations working to bring about change in the County. The launch event was held on May 27th at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark and was a a life affirming night of music, presentations and sharing.
MESH Report May 23, 2023
It’s sad to say that in recent weeks the request for meals from MESH which supples meals to the food insecure population off Montclair has risen from 30 to 50 per week.
Today’s team of Co-chairs Aileen Grossberg and Lynne Kurzweil, ably assisted by faithful volunteer Susan Rosenblatt, valiantly produced 50 tasty, filling meals. Our wonderful custodian Carlos helped us leave the kitchen as spotless as it was when we began.