Later this week, the lights of our Menorahs will shine brightly in our windows as we gather with friends and family to celebrate Chanukah. We will use the Shamash to light our candles. What does it mean to be a Shamash? According to Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg, “It means to open ourselves up to the possibility that each of us has the power to make good and do good in this world, no matter who we are. By sharing our light, we kindle the light of hope and possibility in this world for others”. Each of us has the potential to be a Shamash, to light the light in others and brighten the world for those around us. This newsletter lists opportunities for all of us to be a Shamash. Imagine all that light we can shine as we work together to repair the world.
Happy Chanukah to all! Marion Pollock Tzedek Newsletter Editor
Collection Project
We are all aware of the very difficult situation for newly arrived migrant families in Massachusetts, many of whom are currently being housed by the State’s Office of Refugees and Immigrants in shelters, hotels and even some office buildings across our area. Have you been wondering how you can help? We’re looking for Temple members who would like to coordinate a small collection project to collect items such as diapers, laundry detergent, Band aids, Tylenol or winter coats/hats/mittens. These are the items needed by IFSI (Immigrant Family Services Institute), a wonderful organization in Mattapan that is helping these families. As a coordinator, you’ll decide what items to collect, logistics (live and/or online collection locations), how to publicize the collection effort, timeframe, and how to deliver items to IFSI. Interested but never have done this before? Other Tzedek Team members will be happy to help and answer any questions. If you’re interested, please email Elizabeth at econnolly@srsmedical.com by 12/15.
Donate to the JF&CS Holiday Gift Card Drive and you'll help bring joy to low-income families by empowering parents to pick out the gifts they know their children will love. Donate online and we'll buy the gift cards. https://www.jfcsboston.org/give/holiday-gift-card-drive
The Very Best Way to Regift: Newton Food Pantry Gift Shop
The Newton Food Pantry provides a small assortment of new or gently used items from which the pantry customers can shop for free for a gift for a loved one. We welcome giftware for children and adults such as, but not limited to, candles, jewelry, art kits, stuffed animals, games, toys, cookbooks, or anything else you would gift a friend. We often receive many items for women and children. Please keep those items coming while also considering fun items for older teens and adults, including men.
Please do not wrap the gifts however feel free to donate extra gift, bags, wrap, ribbons etc. Please drop goodies at 20 Fairlee Terrace in Waban (gray house on the cul-de-sac off Fairlee Road, off Woodward Street). Please leave things in the bins by the garage now through the end of December. Any items remaining at the end of the holiday season will be donated to Cradles to Crayons, Welcome Home, or a local donation site.
The Village Bank has partnered with the Newton Department of Health and Human Services to sponsor the City’s annual Holiday Gift Drive. This year marks the 16th year of the Bank sponsoring the event, which looks to bring holiday joy to local children.
The Bank will be collecting new and unwrapped gifts until December 13 and invites its customers, neighbors, and members of the Newton community to drop off donations to any Newton branch of The Village Bank. Gifts should be for children ages newborn to 10 and may include age-appropriate toys, games, electronics, and sporting goods. Gift cards from local merchants are also appreciated.
Many of us enjoyed meeting the Ashori Family in November and were entertained by Huma’s beautiful Sitar playing, inspired by the individual stories and were delighted to have the opportunity to view Fahima’s marvelous paintings. Shortly thereafter, we got the joyful news that our four original Afghan friends (“The Guys”) won their asylum cases! The TSARP committee paid for their asylum lawyers and continues to subsidize housing for both the Ashoris and the Ramish Family. We are so thankful for the support we have received but the TSARP Fund still really needs your support, especially after paying these legal expenses. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. You can donate here https://www.templeshalom.org/tsarp
Dana Farber Cancer Institute Volunteer Services is looking for in-person volunteers (three-hour weekly shifts) for its Chestnut Hill-Newton location at 300 Boylston Street. Volunteers provide comfort, support, and empathy to cancer patients and families, helping with wayfinding, sharing resources, distributing lunches or art supplies, and more. Visit https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/get-involved/volunteer to learn more. Please feel free to contact Marion Pollock mcpollock32@gmail.com, a long time volunteer, if you are interested in learning more.
