Helping those in Need
Since moving to Western New York, together with a number of agencies, I have helped establish the Town Square Food Pantry. It is a fantastic inter-faith center that offers food to those in need in an environment of dignity and respect. Many food pantries simply bag up cheap food and give it out to the needy, our pantry, however set out to be something different. At the Town Square, people in need come in to a friendly face, take a shopping cart, and "shop" (for free) for what they want. We work to supply the pantry with great, fresh, local foods in an atmosphere that resembles a better supermarket. Its a fantastic place, that I am proud to be a part of.
Learning on Ice
While living in New York, I worked as a coach and instructor for private students. At the same time, however, I also volunteered my time teaching group lessons for children. Children learn self-confidence and get exercise while having fun, and I have a blast helping them do it! West End Temple (a New York synagogue), was able to come together at the sports center I taught at for a Chanukah party after Hurricane Sandy destroyed their synagogue. It was the first time their congregation came together after the storm ravaged their communal home. It was such a joy to be a part of the evening--giving away free skating lessons to members of their community until well after 11pm!
Hurricane Sandy
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I counted my blessings. I was lucky enough to live in a neighborhood that emerged relatively unscathed. Others close by, however, were not so lucky. In the days following the storm I volunteered at the Red Hook Initiative, helped to coordinate volunteers at Congregation Beth Elohim, and led prayer services at the Park Slope Armory for displaced residents of nursing homes and adult day centers.
You can read more about my relief work as well as the work of others through this Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion press release.
You can read more about my relief work as well as the work of others through this Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion press release.
Detention Center in Israel
Unfortunately, the reality of our world is such that political and social unrest, and at times war displaces many innocent people who wish no harm and only want to survive. The genocide in Sudan resulted in a great many Sudanese refugees seeking safety and asylum elsewhere. When Sudanese refugees make their way into Israel and enter illegally, they are housed at one of three detention centers. In 2006, I went to the Maasiyahu detention center (near Tel Aviv) to begin visiting with and providing care to refugees. Hearing and recording their harrowing and amazing stories was an experience that will always be a part of me.
Families in Rural Iowa
On a trip to visit a dear friend, I visited a number of small towns in rural Iowa, bringing low-socioeconomic level minority and immigrant families much needed day-to-day supplies and providing reading assistance to children. While it was a blessing to gather blankets, tooth brushes, canned goods, etc. for distribution to those in need, I must admit that a highlight of my activities was watching four and five-year-old faces light up when we read stories and played learning games together.
