“Continue to speak out against all forms of injustice to yourselves and others, and you will set a mighty example for your children and for future generations.” — Bernice King
Dear Friends, Listed below are many opportunities to set a mighty example for future generations and engage ourselves in acts of Social Justice. If you chose to participate, call a friend and invite them to join with you. It will feel good! All the Best, Marion Pollock Tzedek Newsletter Editor
Reproductive Justice We are having a virtual meeting of the Repro Justice Task Force on Wednesday, March 8 at 7:30. It's our first gathering to discuss our plans for advocacy and creating post-abortion packets for clients of the Health Q Center in Lawrence, MA. Please contact Wendy Case at wbcase@aol.com or Susan Goodman at susan.d.goodman@gmail.com to join our effort!
Reproductive Justice, by definition, goes beyond the pro-choice/right to life debate. Its primary principles include 1) the right not to have a child; 2) the right to have a child, and 3) the right to parent children in safe and healthy environments. To that end, Temple Shalom member Joy Elbaum has stepped forward to serve as our representative on JALSA's Rapid Response Team. JALSA is following several bills in this MA legislative session that are concerned with issues including free school lunch, access to early education, and affordable housing. Joy will be alerted when action is needed on these bills, such as making calls to state reps or attending hearings.
Please contact Joy at j.elbaum@verizon.net to receive these notifications. We hope that everyone who receives the Tzedek email will sign up and advocate for issues that improve life for all who live in MA.
Gun Violence Prevention Join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for an IN PERSON Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 29 from 12:00-3:00 at the Statehouse to advocate for gun violence prevention legislation and for a comprehensive gun sense bill. There will be a robust line up of speakers, including legislators, community partners, and survivors. Participants will then visit their elected representatives to discuss why this issue is so important. RSVP: https://forms.everytown.org/a/ma-ch-advocacy-day
TSARP – Afghan Resettlement Update In February we were delighted to welcome to Shabbat services at Temple Shalom some of our Afghan friends. 6 of the 8 sponsored by the TSARP team were able to attend (the others had work that night). At the post-service “Rabbi’s Tish” we were asked what ongoing support our community can provide to our friends. We mentioned networking help for additional employment opportunities, especially for better-paying entry-level jobs such as bank teller, etc. The one US citizen in the group so far, little Roy Ramish, who was born at Boston Medical Center last June, is growing like a weed and could use outgrown baby/toddler clothes, books, etc. This photo shows Baby Roy’s big sister Hilla, and mom Khurshid.
Of course, our friends would not be where they are today without your incredible support of the TSARP Fund, support that we greatly appreciate. TSARP continues to seek financial support. Our friends’ landlord, Chestnut Hill Realty, has offered them a wonderful opportunity to extend current leases after 8/31, but continued TSARP support will be needed to allow them to take advantage of this offer. You can help by donating at Donate - Temple Shalom and choosing the Afghan Resettlement Project.
Come Join the Temple Shalom Freedge Team The Freedge Team makes deliveries every other Tuesday. Description of shifts throughout the day and sign up sheet can be found here https://www.templeshalom.org/freedge#Volunteer A new local merchant PONDEJOY in Newton Centre is generously donating yummy donuts and have been added to our roster at 8pm, this pick up can be combined with the evening restock of the Freedge if desired. Stop by to say thanks at 212 Sumner Street and treat yourself to a donut!
Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors Cereal Drive Call for Cereal! We are hosting a Porch Drive for the Newton Food Pantry and need help making it a success. On your next grocery run please pick up a few extra boxes of healthy, kid-friendly, brand-name boxes of cereal and starting Thursday, drop on the porch of one of our collection hosts. March 2-7. 365 Cherry Street West Newton 21 Mountfort Road Newton Highlands 1775 Beacon Street Waban. If easier, click and send directly from our Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WZG2KVPJ54AI...
