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Social Action can be defined as people coming together to help improve their lives and solve the problems that are important to their communities.
At Bet Torah, this means we cannot hold ourselves at arm’s length from those who are in need. Our work requires connecting with people who are vulnerable, listening to the stories that they share, and standing up for their needs.
Social Action at Bet Torah is diverse and layered. There are four separate initiatives or committees which function separately but work cooperatively.
They are the Social Justice, Caring Committee, Community Service, and Interfaith Working Group.
“You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it (2:21).” Pirkei Avot
Social Justice
Leadership: Elaine Merker
Assistant leader: Linda Dishner
The mission of social justice is to mobilize our community, using Jewish principles of moral righteousness. We operate with respect for the diversity of opinions among our members, as well as respect for the inherent human dignity and worth of every human being.
The current areas of focus for the committee are: Immigrants Rights Initiative, Racial Justice Initiative, and Antisemitism Initiative.
Contact: Socialjustice@bettorah.org
Caring Committee
Leadership: Nancy Fried Tanzer, Erin Davis Kuflik, Paul Rosenfeld
The Caring Committee works in partnership with our clergy to support our congregation in times of need. Our volunteers perform deeds of loving kindness and offer meaningful outreach to guide our community in living a life of spiritual and physical well-being.
Comforting Those Who Are Bereaved (Nechama)
Volunteers reach out to congregants who have lost a family member and offer a variety of support services following shiva and throughout the year
Caring Connections (Lev Echad)
Lev Echad tries to ensure that no congregant feels forgotten or isolated.
Comforting the Sick (Bikur Cholim)
Volunteers contact congregants dealing with serious illness, recovering from injury or surgery, and evaluating if any further support is needed.
Contact: Caring@bettorah.org
Community Service
Leadership: Michele Posner Supporting Our Community through Action
Community Service maintains year round programs which offer a meaningful volunteer experience for adults and youth, while providing needed services to the community. We do this by partnering with several local organizations. Our four primary partners are Emergency Shelter Partnership, Neighbors Link, The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, and The Community Center of Northern Westchester in Katonah. Additionally, we work with the New York Blood Center, Midnight Run, and other initiatives as needs arise.
Contact: Communityservice@bettorah.org
Multifaith Working Group
Leadership: Sandy Kellogg
The Multifaith Working Group brings together Bet Torah congregants with members of other faith-based organizations to share events and information and explore our faiths in a meaningful and respectful manner. It is our hope that through personal interactions and working together, we will build bridges that will strengthen our community and create partnerships of understanding and resilience that will unite us. Born out of the Mount Kisco Interfaith Women’s Teas, Sandy Kellogg has forged this initiative. Since 2019, we have met as a group to discuss our religious practices, share ideas, and plan further initiatives.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Sandy Kellogg: sandy.kellogg@gmail.com.