Social Action

Social Action Update Like so many aspects of our lives, the pandemic has impacted our ability to serve both Congregation Beth Shalom and extended communities. However, through the dedication of so many countless CBS volunteers we have continued to serve those in need. I am so proud of everyone who has given their time and donations to help those in need. I am not able to name all the volunteers who have really stepped up this past year, but I want you to know how much I and our CBS community appreciate your efforts to help others. With that said, I do want to mention a few individuals who have taken on leadership roles on the Social Action committee and I apologize if I have omitted any individual recognitions. Thank you Fern Roseman for your work with the Northfield Township Food Pantry and the Mitzvot Committee, Leatte Gelfeld for your work with Hunger Free Northbrook, Steve Krasner, Chris Meyers, and Tami Rokni for taking the lead in supporting our refugee family, Sara Weinstein for your work with PADS, Merrill Medansky for your work with The ARK, Steven Elisco, Men’s Club President, for coordinating our blood drives which have resulted in more than 300 donations this past year and Robyn Rosengard, Sisterhood President, for the many mitzvah projects provided by Sisterhhood. I also want to thank Sara Weinstein for her support, guidance, and patience during our leadership transition last summer, Jill Olefsky for her passion and ongoing advice, Deanne Friedman whose communications support has been invaluable, and Tanya Solomon for her positivity and always knowing the right time to offer encouragement when needed. Finally, a special thank you to Susan Karlinsky for making the time to offer her passion and support of Social Action while simultaneously running Congregation Beth Shalom.

It has truly been a privilege for me to work with such outstanding individuals over the past year. One of things I learned this year is that we do so much for others which extend well beyond the projects of our Social Action committee. We should all be proud of the way we support both our congregation family and extended community. As I transition to a new role on the Board of Trustees, I know that Suzy Hakimian, our in-coming Social Action Vice-President, will provide outstanding leadership and support of the many projects currently in place (and most likely some new ones).

Here is a summary of our ongoing projects: We are collecting brown paper bags (new or undamaged) for the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Jill Olefsky is coordinating this program. She is willing to come to your home or they can be dropped off at CBS. Jill can be contacted through email, Jolefsky@aol.com, or phone, 847-272-1758. If you are willing to include 1-3 UNEXPIRED items for the Northfield Township Food Pantry, she will make sure these items are delivered. That way we will help both food pantries (Northfield does not want bags). PADS continues to provide housing for the homeless. CBS members have been generously supporting them by providing donations of needed items and monies to help offset the costs. We have also been informed that PADS is now accepting volunteers to work with the homeless in these shelters. For more info contact Sara Weinstein at slo155@aol.com.

The Northfield Township Food Pantry has seen its client base more than double in six months. The Pantry needs our help. Please drop off UNEXPIRED food items on the cart located at the front door of Congregation Beth Shalom. Check (made out to the NTFP) and gift card donations can be mailed to Fern Roseman, 2415 Auburn Lane, Northbrook, IL, 60062 who will deliver them to the Northfield Township Food Pantry. You can also contact Fern at 847-564-9266. This is our community. Help us improve the lives of those in need. Now that many adults have started receiving their COVID vaccines, and are feeling more comfortable about resuming normal activities, it is a great time to volunteer for our ARK shopping program. Volunteers shop for groceries and deliver them to an ARK client in our suburban area. Purchases are reimbursed from the Gold Family Sabbath Fund. It is a great family project. We try to have enough volunteers so that each will shop 3-4 times a year. For more information, contact Merrill Medansky at merrill.medansky@gmail.com.