We are thrilled to share some exciting news! HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) has recognized our extraordinary work in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people by awarding us their highest congregational honor – the Pathways Trailblazer Award. This prestigious award reflects our steadfast commitment to welcoming the stranger, even during a time when our own community has faced significant challenges.
At a time when more than 120 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution and violence, Rodeph Sholom has embodied one of the central tenets of Torah: to welcome the stranger. We are deeply proud to be part of a community that lives out the best of Jewish values in the world.
We also want to extend our gratitude to Annette Orenstein, our Social Action Chair, whose leadership has been instrumental in driving our efforts, along with the many dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this achievement possible. Your commitment and passion are the heart of our success.
As we celebrate this honor, we also look forward to continuing our impactful work in the coming year. We encourage everyone to stay engaged and participate in the initiatives that we have planned. To get involved, please email socialaction@crsnyc.org to join our social action email list and mark your calendar for Refugee Shabbat on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Even in times of darkness and challenge, our congregation continues to shine as a beacon of hope. We are reminded that our work is never done, but it is always meaningful. Let’s not only pray but also continue to act in ways that build a world of peace, security, and tranquility for the Jewish people and for every human being.
