The WES Social Action Committee’s mission is to provide opportunities for our congregation to foster acts of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Chesed (loving kindness) and Tsadakah (charity).  With so much broken and in need of healing in the world today, our work is more important than ever! The SAC organizes various projects, educational events, and charity drives to help make the world a better place. We do this in small and large groups, on Shabbat and holidays, as well as on weekdays, often partnering with community non-profit organizations.

Below is a list of some activities we engaged in this past year.

•  In partnership with Vote Forward, our congregation wrote postcards and letters to encourage voter turnout
• Contributed to WSCAH (Westside Campaign against Hunger) through their Thanksgiving Healthy Food Challenge
• Collected and donated cold weather accessories, donating to our neighbors in need, served by Team TLC
• JFLL Art Kits Project:  Organized a mitzvah project for WES religious school students, creating therapeutic art kits, which were donated to Team TLC for children in need
• Decorated onesies for immigrant/refugee families, served by Team TLC 
• Wrote post cards, sponsored by NCYJW, prior to Friday night services regarding access to abortion medication
• A new group, Hooked on Kindness, crocheted and assembled blankets which were donated to children in need via New Neighbors Partnership
• Synagogue Coalition on the Refugee and Immigrant Crisis (SCRIC): WES was one of the founding synagogues and continues to participate in SCRIC, which now includes over 29 synagogues and 10 non-profit organizations. Its mission is to provide information, support, and resources to refugees and immigrants.
• Diaper Drive: collected much needed diapers, and other baby necessities for vulnerable families with young children on behalf of Good Plus Foundation
• Shabbat and holiday services: Coordinated with clergy to contribute social action education and activities to Shabbat services and Jewish holidays, including:                       
  • Refugee Shabbat: Provided readings and handouts from HIAS
  • Repro Shabbat Service: Coordinated with NYCJW, NY Council of Jewish Women to provide readings and a speaker
  • Earth Day Shabbat: Provided readings and engaged a speaker
     
WES has offered, and continues to offer, many opportunities to engage in the work of Repairing the World. Please contact the Social Action Committee co-chairs, Dana Mindlin or Lisa Rafofsky to learn how you can get involved.