Living through this pandemic has been challenging. It has changed the way we normally live our lives. It hasn’t been easy; nobody goes unscathed. Nevertheless, the thing is, by helping each other pull through this crisis, by doing good deeds for one another, then a little kindness can really go a long way.
Here are ways we can safely volunteer:
Connect with Fellow Congregants Outside NYC
2020 saw so many of us displaced from our homes, our sacred spaces, and more. While many of us moved out of NYC temporarily or permanently, we remain as committed as ever to the mitzvah of building a caring, connected synagogue family. If you have left New York City and would like to contact other CRS congregants in your area for socially distanced coffee, walks, and more, share your current zip code and email and scan the list to see who might be in the neighborhood. Bring CRS to you by contacting members nearby!
Give to the CRS Food Drive
Rabbi Levine, in referencing our Congregation’s partnership with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, said, “During COVID, the need is unprecedented: many neighbors are new to food assistance. Let us do all we can to live our Jewish values and help our partner put food on its customers’ table while protecting their dignity.” To contribute to our CRS Food Drive, please click here.
Donate Blood
Blood donations are more necessary than ever. The NY Blood Center’s mobile blood drives have dropped considerably due to the pandemic which means encouraging donors to take the extra step of making an appointment and traveling to a donor center. To learn more about the Blood Drive, click here.
Volunteer virtually or safely in-person
With a goal of mobilizing 100,000 acts of service, Serve The Moment connects Jewish young adults and college students to volunteer with nonprofits and Jewish social justice organizations. To learn about safe in-person or virtual ways to volunteer, click here.
Build Relationships
Your CRS clergy and community are here for you! We also have many points of connection and want to make sure that you are aware of our synagogue offerings and resources for well-being:
- Tuesday Coffee with the Caring Community-a wonderful hour-long get together over zoom with no agenda other than connection and light hearted conversation. Please register here or contact Shari Steinberg, Chair of our Caring Community.
- In addition to our clergy, our social worker, Ruth Kobrin is available for one-on-one meetings over zoom. Ruth is also running a support group during this time of isolation and challenge.
- Attend Shabbat Schmoozes before and after select Erev Shabbat services.
- Buddy program—We can match you with a buddy from the Caring Community for weekly calls. Please contact Arlene Rosen.
- Spark a Minyan!
- Find additional resources or read/watch past sermons about mental health.