Announcing the Zelda & Rabbi David Greenstein Fund for Social Justice

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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.

There are so many engaging programs that can be created. To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few example ideas:

  • Engage members of the Congregation – ex. volunteering, project slideshow or stories on a Sunday, other learning and advocacy opportunities
  • Scholarships to study Social Justice issues
  • Travel and funding to support attendance at Social Justice conferences
  • Programs for communities that are under-resourced and/or populations experiencing inequitable access to resources

Recipients of Fund disbursements will be required to prepare a short report or presentation on the impact of their work. This could be written for publication in “Shomrei Week,” or as a presentation at Shomrei to a specific group such as the JLC, @nourish, or as an adult education speaker.

Maximum amount for awards is $2500.  Limit to one award per year for each applicant.

We look forward to receiving your thoughtful proposals to advance social justice for Shomrei.

Please contact Ehud Klinger – email hidden; JavaScript is required – for more information and to submit proposals.

Format for Submitting Proposals to the Zelda and Rabbi David Greenstein Fund for Social Justice

Please provide the following information:

  • Title of the proposed project:
  • Requestor:
  • Aim of the proposed program:
  • How the program will involve one or more Shomrei members:
  • How the program addresses a social justice need:
  • How the program promotes opportunities for learning about social justice issues:
  • Total amount requested (maximum award amount is $2500):
  • How the requested funds will be used:

Criteria for Evaluating Proposals to the Zelda and Rabbi David Greenstein Fund for Social Justice

The Zelda and Rabbi David Greenstein Fund for Social Justice at Shomrei is dedicated to promoting social justice that reflects Rabbi Greenstein’s teachings and actions. Rabbi Greenstein’s commitment to social justice was manifest in his weekly Torah Sparks and in the D’var Torah that he gave at Shabbat service. He was never hesitant to speak up at town meetings and write thoughtful articles in the local paper advocating and demanding justice for the marginalized and underserved in our community.

Proposals will be evaluated based on these criteria:

Value 1: Justice that is active

All proposals must include active involvement from a member or members of Shomrei Emunah.

Sample Ideas include:

  • Involvement in a project, organization, or cause related to bringing social justice to a group or individuals.
  • Direct leadership or execution of work involving social justice
  • Programs to engage members of the Congregation in learning about or getting involved in activities surrounding social justice issues
  • Scholarships to study Social Justice issues
  • Travel and funding to support attendance at Social Justice Conferences

Value 2: Justice that is authentic

Priority will be given to proposals that address a social justice need by providing a service to impacted persons or through advocacy to address the issue.

Samples ideas include:

  • Centering the voices and/or experiences of people closest to, or most impacted by – an issue. For example, those impacted by issues regarding their refugee status, food insecurity, access to housing, gender identify, etc.
  • Involving communities that are under-resourced and/or populations experiencing inequitable access to resources
  • Addressing the root causes of injustice and inequity
  • Providing meaningful support for smaller projects, programs, efforts, or organizations e.g. involvement with programs already being developed by others which need some assistance to expand or meet their goals.

Value 3: Justice that can be shared and sustained

Priority will be given to proposals that provide or include opportunities for continued learning about social justice issues.

Samples ideas include:

  • Children and youth to participate in the project or program through Shomrei / religious school structures
  • Justice learning or development/growth within the Congregation
  • Exploring the ways in which Shomrei’s justice orientation today is connected to Rabbi Greenstein’s legacy of recognizing the value and worth of every human being and working to create a society reflecting fairness and equality for everyone.
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