Social Action

Pots and Pans for Purim

Instead of using a grogger to make noise, bang on a pot at the March 7 Purim service. We will be collecting pots, pans, and kitchen utensils for the Community Warehouse, which works with social service agencies to provide more than 5,800 people a year with essential goods that turn a house into a home. They need new or gently used pots, pans, silverware, cooking utensils, and baking pans. If you can’t make it to the Purim service, you can drop off donations in a bin in the education building.

Want to know more about Community Warehouse? Join co-founder Roz Babener and friendsat the Warehouse at 3969 MLK Jr. Blvd. on Thursday, February 15, anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.. Tour the facility and learn more about the organization. Beverages and hors d’ouevres provided. Please RSVP to Roz: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so she knows you are coming.

We Did Something Jewish for Christmas

Annual NW Portland Ministries dinner
Members of Beth Israel and several Christian congregations worked together to prepare and serve 567 meals to neighborhood residents on December 23. We also gave out hundreds of hats and scarves knitted by our Knit-a-Mitzvah group, as well as socks, gloves, and gifts bags full of practical items donated by businesses and individuals. Susan Stone donated packages of homemade Mandelbrot. Dan Heims and Rich Garber and their band-mates volunteered their musical talents. Dozens of congregants pitched in to assemble gift bags, decorate tables, serve food, and clean up. Susan Milstein  chaired this year’s planning committee, which also included CBI members Lynne Bartenstein, Carole Barkley, Nikki Director, Lynda Shapiro,  and Anita and David August. Thanks to all our volunteers and donors to the Turkey Fund.

Loaves & Fishes
Terri Warren organized a holiday party and gifts for the elders who come to the neighborhood Loaves and Fishes senior meal site. Generous helpers included Sisterhood members (L to R) Sue Garber, Kate Royston, Janet LaRossa and Connie Cambreleng.

Party for NW Tower & Annex Residents

Beth Israel hosted a holiday party for the families in the Housing Forward building next door. The kids and their parents decorated cookies and enjoyed refreshments provided by the Social Action Committee and gifts donated by Beth Israel members. Thanks to Jane Vereschagin, Kris Kobin, and Laura Goldman for volunteering their time; and thanks to all the congregants who contributed gifts: the Baartmans family, Carole Barkley and David Loftus, the Burchiel Family, Deb and Lance Caldwell, Marge Congress, Barbara and Rob Crooke, Ilene and Jim Davidson, Debbie Davis-Spiegel, Leslie and Rich Geller, Thea Hayes, Ted Nelson and Curt Shaffstall, Kate and Bill Royston, the Sakai family, Lynda Shapiro, Jill Slansky, Jane Vereschagin and Michael Goldman.

JANUARY 2012
Social Action Committee Meeting
January 4: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room

Mitzvah Day Planning begins

Carole Barkley:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 503-224-0098

Susan Milstein:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 503-227-2960

Social Action Committee Meetings
The committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM