We have a strong commitment to interfaith families, welcome non-Jewish spouses as members of the congregation and provide education programs related to the lives of interfaith families. Community-wide Interfaith Passover Seders and Thanksgiving services are held annually.
Our members are active in a wide range of community interfaith events, among them:
Interfaith Shelter Program
Interfaith Passover Seder
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Social Action
Temple B'nai Israel's commitment to social action reflects our belief in our responsibility to Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world, both within our own congregation and in our larger community of the mid-shore and world at large. We also have an active program of Hineni, helping our own members get through difficult times.
Hineni
Contributing to the caring, intimate, and supportive community of B'nai Israel is a very active Hineni program, providing comfort, meals, and other assistance to members who have health problems, a death in their family, or any other situation where fellow members can be of help. Hineni is a hallmark of our congregation.
Tikkun Olam
Opportunities for volunteering in and supporting important social action projects are many, and we regularly encourage our members to participate in specific activities when the needs are critical. You can always learn more by contacting the Social Action Committee through the temple office.
Many excellent programs need volunteer help. For example, a group of members makes lunches weekly, along with other religious organizations, and distributes them to local social service programs. Other opportunities include the following:
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA of Talbot County) welcomes volunteers to take part in their work befriending vulnerable children in the welfare system. For further information go to www.casaoftalbot.org, or e-mail info@casaoftalbot.org, or call 410-822-2866.
The Talbot Country Department of Social Services welcomes volunteers to assist in their programs for adults, children and families. Examples include providing transportation to medical appointments, and escorting those going to the Child Advocacy Center at Easton Memorial Hospital. For additional information get in touch with Ms. Pat Murphy, the Department's Volunteer Coordinator by e-mail pmurphy5@dhr.state.md.us or phone 410-770-4958.
Various umbrella organizations that provide assistance in a variety of fields. These include Chesapeake Helps [www.chesapeakehelps.org], which handles many Mid-Shore organizations. For basic information about the umbrella group to which the Temple belongs (Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity), the link is www.whatsoeveryoudo.org.
The URJ's Religious Action Center website is www.rac.org.
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters and the Maryland LCV Education Fund are engaged in a variety of environmental quality activiiities. Some are tied to the upcoming election; others such as a petition invitiative to bring more systematic recycling are not. For more information contact Ryan Ewing at 410-745-714-0009 or e-mail rewing@mdlacv.org, or visitwww.marylandconservation.org.
The Neighborhood Service Center (126 Port Street, 410-822-5015) has a continuing need for non-perishable food for distribution to those in need. [www.neighborhoodservicecenter.org].
A silent peace vigil continues to be held on Thursdays from 5 to 5:30 pm in front of the Court House on Washington Street.
