Social Action
As a congregation, Temple Beth El seeks to fullfil the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. We all have a responsibility to pursue Tikkun Olam through social action programs such as tzedakah (charitable giving) and gemilut hasadim (acts of kindness). This is done on many levels, from improving our synagogue and our members’ experience, to our local community, to Israel. By assisting people in need, we not only help to repair the world, but we also strengthen our Jewish identity and set an example of our fundamental values to our children.
To get involved with the Social Action Committee, please contact committee chair, Muriel Horowitz at socialaction@tbeny.org.
The Lunch Box
Temple Beth-El sponsors LUNCHBOX monthly on the second Sunday of the month. Volunteer with us to help provide a hot meal at lunch, and food to take home. Teens can get community service credit. Donations are always needed to provide fruit with lunch, as the regular budget doesn't cover this expense. To volunteer or for any questions, contact Nancy Judson at 845.225.7490.
To make a donation to the Lunchbox Program to defray its cost, please send your check to:
TBE Lunchbox Program
118 S. Grand Ave.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Bright Nights
The Temple Beth-El Youth Group, along with students of the Gesher Hebrew High School Program, annually unite for Bright Nights social action project. Beginning the first week in November, students work to collect winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and clothing for the homeless and needy in our community. In December, the clothing is sorted and then distributed locally.
Dutchess Interfaith Crop Hunger Walk
Temple Beth-El participates in the annual Dutchess Interfaith Crop Hunger Walk. CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by religious groups, businesses, schools and others to raise funds to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
For more information about the Dutchess Interfaith Crop Hunger Walk, see:
https://www.crophungerwalk.org/poughkeepsieny
Mitzvah Day
Temple Beth-El participates in the annual Dutchess County Mitzvah Day. The children in religious participate in age-appropriate projects with their classes. The following is an example of how classes participate:
- Katan/Gan and Grade 1-2 students do mitzvot at Mitzvah Day Headquarters. Caregivers are welcome to join them.
- Grades 3 through 6 go to The Pines Nursing Home, where students interact with seniors, play games and display their talents. Alternatively, they may stay at the Temple Beth-El kitchen, making baked goods for the Dutchess County Outreach Lunch Box.
- The B'nai Mitzvah class and Youth Group go to the Temple Beth-El cemetery to replace flags on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day.
Reyut (Friendship) Committee
The Reyut Committee is a team of friendly volunteers who can provide rides to services and/or temple activities, meals for those who are ill or sitting shiva, and phone calls or visits to those who may be housebound or would enjoy some extra contact. If you or someone you know might be interested in these services, please call the office at 454-0570 and a committee member will be in touch.
Volunteers from our congregation are available to offer home-cooked simple meals for those who are ill or sitting shiva, make friendly phone calls or visits, and provide rides to Temple. Just call the office or email reyut@tbeny.org and someone from Reyut will be in touch! New volunteers always welcome.