As we enter the high holidays, I am happy to provide an update about Essex Together, a great social action program I invite you to learn about and participate in: (more…)
I am happy to share a victory achieved by Essex Together, just two months into its founding.
As you may recall, JerseyCity together had significant progress this past spring in the elimination of unnecessary and unfair fines, fees and outstanding warrants incurred by individuals who recently left prison or are currently incarcerated. (more…)
I am happy to report that Shomrei is now a founding member of Essex Together, joining 10 other faith based and nonprofit organizations working to bring about change in the County. The launch event was held on May 27th at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark and was a a life affirming night of music, presentations and sharing.
“Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.” Dr. Martin Luther King.
When I walk into Shomrei, enter the lobby and climb the stairs for services, I have a “life is good” kind of feeling, That powerful sense of connection is strengthened when I volunteer and one of my favorite forms of volunteering is ushering. I get to say hello to people I know, people I haven’t seen in a while, and introduce myself to people I don’t know. The experience of being connected is joyous. (more…)
Like all of you, our hearts are broken following the horrendous death of innocent children at an elementary school in Uvalde Texas, which follows two mass shootings last week at a supermarket in Buffalo and a church in Laguna Woods California. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need to act. Taking action is the only thing that will change what is happening. Here are some suggestions for appropriate actions you can consider taking. (more…)