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Tikkun Olam
Habitat for Humanity
For many of us, the appeal of Judaism
is the obligation to repair the
world. Rabbi Barnett's vision of a
Holy Community committed to social
justice and Tikkun Olam is a
compelling one. Last month, 37
members of the congregation put the
vision into action and turned out
early in the morning with hammers
and saws to build a house.
Habitat for Humanity agreed to a
Sunday workday to accommodate
the first-ever Jewish "build team" in
South Hampton Roads. Habitat had
begun two houses in the Red Mill
area for two families purchasing their
first homes. Both families were present
for the Aug. 1 build. Their
dreams of good homes to raise their
children were coming closer with
each nail we hammered. Our team’s
commitment to safe and affordable
housing for all families was being
fulfilled at the same time.
Iris Weinstein worked at the
power saw the entire day. "As I participated
and watched the progress,"
she said, "I realized that much more
than homes were being built. Relationships
were being formed: relationships
with families whose hopes
and homes were being built. Relationships
with those whose paths
might not have crossed except for the
work day and, for me, a closer relationship
with G-d."
Another Temple Emanuel volunteer,
Ronnie Levy, admits he was
"somewhat apprehensive" about this
ambitious project but "pleasantly surprised
and relieved with how
friendly, patient and helpful the professionals
on site were. Before long,
we were all hammering and sawing
away. Everyone appeared to be really
enjoying themselves and enjoying the
camaraderie that we all felt."
Particularly moving, said
Ronnie, was the big smile on
the face of one of the new
homeowners. "What a great
feeling to know that by performing
this mitzvot of giving
back to the community,
we helped these families
achieve a new start."
One of the new
houses will allow a single
mother of two boys to
bring home her
severely handicapped
13-yearold
son for the
first time in 10
years; he now
lives at St. Mary's
Home for Disabled
Children.
Her Habitat house
will have accessible
features such as a
roll-in shower and
railings. She was
shining with joy at having both of
her sons together in their own
home.
Temple Emanuel expects to work
with Habitat for Humanity at least
quarterly. Additional workers are
always welcome. Watch for announcements
of additional opportunities
to participate. You’ll be
glad you did.
Serving at the JCOC
Temple Emanuel has pledged to provide food and serve the hungry at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center four times in 2010.
The next date is February 14 and the Sunday school will lead the way. This is a great opportunity for your children to bring and serve food to those in need. Even non-Sunday school congregants can help out. Please call Beth Gross at the Temple office: 428-2591.
The other 3 dates in 2010 are June 6, Oct.17 and Dec. 12. All are on Sundays starting at 2:00 P.M. and ending about 3:30 P.M,
Participating is its own reward. Please call me to help.
B'Shalom
Joy
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