The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2024 - Page 11 Religious Life
Making a Difference for Youth, Families, and Our Communities By Judy Coco “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) In today’s unsettling times, the unity of people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs for a common good can be a powerful force. “Dancing for Future Stars,” the largest annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Gaston, exemplifies this unity by bringing together Gaston County community leaders to make a difference. Among these leaders is Rose Planer, a member of Temple Beth El, who is actively building bridges in a community with a small Jewish Rose Planer population. Rose is participating as one of the celebrity dancers in and an evening to do something the upcoming event. The event that will have a life-long impact pairs eight local “celebrities” for so many,” she shared. The Boys & Girls Club prowith professional dancers to perform ballroom and freestyle vides a safe, affordable place for routines. These celebrities raise young people during non-school funds through sponsorships, hours and summer. Its mission is to inspire and enable young ticket sales, and donations. Anna Furr, executive vice people, especially those at risk, president and CFO of the Boys to realize their full potential as & Girls Club of Greater Gaston, productive, responsible, and commends the courage of the ce- caring citizens. Through enrichlebrity dancers. “We appreciate ment programs, the Club fostheir bravery to put themselves ters good character, academic out there, in front of their com- success, and healthy lifestyles, munity. They’ve committed time nurturing “future stars.” With trained professionals and vol-
Jewish Values in Action: Repro Shabbat By Nicole Sidman On Friday, Feb. 9, Temple Beth El will join synagogues nationwide in observing Repro Shabbat. Initiated by the National Council of Jewish Women in 2021, this annual event celebrates the Jewish value of reproductive freedom. Repro Shabbat aligns with Parashat Mishpatim, the Torah portion containing verses foundational to Judaism’s stance on reproductive health, rights, and justice. Rabbi Lexi Erdheim emphasizes the event’s significance: “Centering a Shabbat experience around reproductive rights and justice affirms that every human being, created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, has a sacred right to control their own bodies, lives, and futures.” Repro Shabbat has seen a significant increase in observance among synagogues and Jewish communities, growing four-fold since its inception. This year, Temple Beth El is proud to partner with the Girls Just Want to Have Choices TriBE, co-led by Crissa Klein and Anik Harrison. Klein shares her connection: “From a young age, my mother taught me the importance of
championing women’s rights, including healthcare access. Informed decisions about our bodies and medical choices, deeply rooted in Jewish teachings, should be accessible to all. PostDobbs decision, our TriBE, in collaboration with Temple Beth El, is committed to advocating for reproductive rights as a core part of our religion.” The evening will begin with a worship service led by the Girls Just Wanna Have Choices TriBE, followed by an oneg and a screening of “Under G-d,” an official selection of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. This documentary examines the national Jewish response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and explores religious freedom’s role in reproductive justice. We invite you to join this crucial conversation and film screening. To register, please visit www.bit.ly/reproshabbat23.
unteers, the Club offers homework help, mentoring, emotional support, and social interactions. Notably, 69% of the kids come from single-parent households, and 99% receive free or reduced lunch. The impact is significant, with 92% of Club members advancing to the next grade level. Now in its 14th year, each iteration of the event has increasingly impacted the work done with Gaston County’s kids. From raising $50,000 in its first year, the event now garners over $500,000, enabling the Boys & Girls Club to serve more kids, offer higher quality programming, provide transportation to more schools, and continually grow in all areas of its mission. Rose Planer, a licensed mental health practitioner, is no stranger to making a difference. She has dedicated herself to tikkun olam (repairing and improving the world). Rose has worked with many at-risk youth who rely on organizations like the Boys & Girls Club. For the past seven years, she served on the board of the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, collaborating with teens across Mecklenburg County to create an annual healthy dating relationships campaign with Carowinds. Currently, as a consultant for Hope United Survivor Network, she is developing a youth healthy relationships
project in Gaston County. As a celebrity dancer, Rose is not just performing; she’s building bridges with others who share a commitment to making a difference for youth, families, and the community. You can join others in supporting Rose at the “Dancing for Future Stars” event on March 23, 2024. For support
options, including tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit https://bit.ly/GCDFFS.
