“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank
The mission of the DHJC Social Action Committee is to act in ways that empower others and treat them with respect, and to recognize that Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World, is an integral part of our Jewish heritage. The Social Action Committee of the DHJC works toward creating a more caring community and demonstrates the impact that we can have on our world.
You can work with us to help our local community, our surrounding community, and Israel.
We are always looking for new ideas and energetic individuals to get involved with Social Action. If you are interested, in joining the committee or partaking in any of our programs, email [email protected]. We usually meet the first Sunday of every month at 10:00 AM.
Events
Mitzvah Day
Each Fall, the DHJC Social Action Committee sponsors Mitzvah Day. It is a day when everyone – individuals, couples, seniors, children and families – can make a difference by doing something for the larger community. In the past, we have prepared toiletry kits for local homeless families, made sandwiches for a local food pantry, created cards for Israeli soldiers, crocheted blankets for hospital patients and donated hair to Locks of Love.
We focus on educating our children and the community at large about the importance of doing mitzvot while providing them with hands on opportunities.
Blood Drives
DHJC hosts fall and spring blood drives with the New York Blood Center.
Hanukkah Extravaganza
The Social Action committee coordinates a gift/toy drive whereby our generous congregants have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children here on Long Island. Our gift collection helps recipient families who are clients of the Lend A Hand Project.
Healing, Meditation, and Community Support From A Jewish Perspective
Social Action has organized a series of programs that involve learning about and participating in meditation, Kabbalah study, and healing concepts, all with an approach from a Jewish perspective. These sessions will be held throughout the year.
Volunteer Opportunites
Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center Needs Your Help!
The Center provides a safety net for families that are genuinely in need…especially those who “fall through the cracks.” As a volunteer, you can be trained to interview clients, or work in the food pantry the clothing room. There are endless things you can do! The time you put into helping at the center will be most rewarding! Your help is much appreciated. The volunteer hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 am until 4 pm. Teens and adults can volunteer – even one or two hours a week will help! Start this summer! Please contact Director Noelle Campbell (631) 643-7591, and say that you are from the Dix Hills Jewish Center.
Opening Word Literacy Program for Women
– located in Wyandanch. If you can volunteer for one morning a week, your help is needed, starting in September. Volunteers are provided with lesson plans and all of the materials. Contact us at [email protected] if you would like more information to volunteer.
Bikur Cholim
Lap Blankets for Hospital Patients:
Lap blankets are donated to local hospitals. If you can crochet or knit, please consider joining us in this community endeavor. Make a blanket, put it in a bag with a label that says,“Lap Blanket for Hospitals,” put in a note with your name and contact information, and leave the bag in our bins in the front lobby.
Visiting the Sick:
We can visit your family members who would benefit from home visits in our community. If you have an hour to spare, let us know, and you can visit in homes with another person. At Gurwin, we visit and assist with recreational programs during the year. You can also become a volunteer at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Contact Kathleen Donnelly at 631-715-2555, [email protected] and tell her that you are from the Dix Hills Jewish Center.
Collections:
Food Collections:
We collect food year-round, and donate to: Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center in Wyandanch, The Rima Shaolin Kosher Food Pantry of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns, Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank with and, The Mercy INN Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch.
Books for Israel Project:
Our congregation sent two thousand English books to schools in Israel where it is vital that children and teenagers learn English, and the picture books, storybooks, and chapter books are appreciated. Books can always be donated by putting them in a bag in our bins in the front lobby.
Ongoing collections:
Throughout the year, we are continually collecting clothing, eyeglasses, used cell phones, books and other items, which can be dropped at our collection bins located in the temple lobby.
Join Us!! Bring us your ideas!!
We usually meet on the first Sunday morning of each month at 10:00 AM.
Cooki Cohn and Debbie Biederman, Co-Chairs
For information, please email us at [email protected]
American Jewish Committee - www.ajc.org
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces - www.fidf.org
Hadassah Hospital - www.hadassah-med.com
Jewish National Fund - www.JNF.org
Lone Soldier Center - www.razoo.com/story/Operation-Protective-Edge
Magen David Adom in Israel - www.mdais.com/Donations
United Jewish Appeal - www.ujafedny.org
For a list of more organizations and descriptions - DHJC Social Action Mitzvah Showcase - Featured Organizations
Working and Non-Working Cell Phones:
Phone cards are purchased with proceeds from the sale of recycled cell phones and then donated to soldiers. www.msawi.org
Adult's and Children's Eye Glasses:
Donate your old eyeglasses and have them reconditioned for those that cannot afford them. www.onesight.org
For information about our committee or any of our programs,
Send an email to [email protected]
* Collection bins are in the upstairs DHJC lobby.
Social Action Committee