Social Action

Tikkun olam, healing the world, is the core of social action and the heart of social justice. Congregation Beth Emeth Social Action initiates and promotes programs and activities that provide direct services to the greater Albany community, helping those in need, and advocating for public policy change to improve society for the benefit of all.

Please read below to learn about the various activities our Social Action Committee is facilitating at Beth Emeth. If you have any questions, contact Abby Nash.

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY:
RAC-NY CALL IN DAYS:

Please join me and other CBE members of  in making calls to our state legislators and to the Governor as part of RAC-NY’s Call In Days April 26-29, 2021 to pass the Less Is More bill preventing the imprisonment of thousands of people in NY State who have completed their prison sentence for minor technical parole violations. African Americans are imprisoned for technical parole violations at five times the rates of white people in New York. All you need to do is go to this website during the Call-In Days on April 26-29 to get talking points and phone numbers for your State Senator, State Assembly member, and the Governor. Then you make three calls on your own phone and fill out the quick reporting form on the results of your calls. 

Thank you in advance . Together we will move New York State toward racial justice!
Feel free to contact me with any questions - Abby Nash

REFORM MOVEMENT'S RACIAL JUSTICE CAMPAIGN:

REGISTER HERE for the launch of the Reform Movement’s Racial Justice Campaign on April 28 at 8:00 pm ET.  RAC-NY‘s work on Less us More parole reform in our State is an essential part of the national campaign. RAC-NY will also participate in passing federal voting rights legislation and doing anti-racism work inside our congregations. Find out more on April 28^th.

SOCIAL JUSTICE:
Contact Abby Nash 

INITIATIVE TO HELP LOCAL REFUGEES

Playground Community Build

During the summer of 2019 Beth Emeth worked together with Refugee Immigrant and Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) staff and families, local temples and churches, to build a new playground for the kids and families of RISSE. Multiple faith and civic organizations worked in concert over many months to make the playground a reality and established long-lasting bonds that will allow these groups to work together on future community projects.

Ongoing Projects with Refugees:

Specific refugee families have been identified in need of a variety of services and we are looking to develop a network of helpers who can be:

* Hands on mentors for refugees, or
* Service providers for refugees (eg – physicians, lawyers), or
* Provide funds, or
* Provide supplies, or
If you wish to work on any of these issues, contact Judy Kahn

MITZVAH SQUAD

Sign up to receive emailed announcements of mitzvah opportunities as they become available. Learn about specific projects, dates, times, and number of volunteers needed. No obligation to volunteer.

Read the Mitzvah Squad flyer - CLICK HERE Contact: Lucy Siegel

SOUP KITCHEN

CLICK HERE  to learn how Soup Kitchen Procedures Have Been Altered to Address Health Needs Of Both Volunteers & Recipients Due To Covid-19. 

Congregation Beth Emeth runs a soup kitchen on Sundays from 11 am – 2:30 pm at 369 Livingston Avenue (corner of Livingston & Thornton) in Albany. For more than three decades, our volunteers have been preparing hot meals and serving
those in need in our community. Volunteers are responsible for preparing, serving, and cleaning up. Individuals, families, congregation committees, and friends are all welcome!

Want to help?  CLICK HERE to register on line. Questions? Contact Taylor Alfred  or phone 585-410-0263.

DIANE’S FARM ~ BETH EMETH’S SOUP KITCHEN GARDEN
(funded by the Goodman Family Fund)

Calling ALL who want to help feed the hungry in the Capital District Community!

At the back end of the parking lot at Beth Emeth is Diane's Farm, a wonderful garden cared for by our congregants. If you have a few hours to spare, please consider signing up to help maintain our Farm -- NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! We meet Wednesdays from 4:30 - 7:00 PM and Sundays from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM. CLICK HERE to Sign Up! Questions? Contact Marni Tesser

RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER OF REFORM JUDAISM (RAC)