COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Care for Our Community
“We need each other at the greatest moments of joy and the greatest sorrows of life.
That’s what we do here at Temple Beth Elohim.”
It’s a mitzvah to help and to ask for help.
Care for our community from home
At this time of physical distancing, we welcome any gestures of love and kindness and all requests, no matter how great or small they may seem.
Darchei Tikvah/Pathways to Hope
Our new initiative is working to engage our community to promoting healing, restoring hope, and building internal strength to manage the challenges of this time. Watch a video to learn more.
Darchei Tikvah, Hebrew for “pathways to hope,” is collaborating with clergy and lay leaders to create a series of opportunities for members, including a healing workshop and an ongoing supportive writing group. Check back soon for more programs and resources.
Please reach out with comments and suggestions and join us on this path of personal and communal restoration and renewal.
Resources for Strength and Coping
Resources for coping during Covid and other difficult times from our Darchei Tikvah initiative.
Mental Health & Wellness
Rabbi Rachel Naditch shares strategies to help us cope with uncertainty. Click here to watch. Click here to view slides.
Temple member Deb Elbaum shares tools for managing stress and moving from overwhelmed to opportunity.
Watch the healing service Cantor Jodi Sufrin, Cantor Shanna Zell, and Noah Aronson led during Yom Kippur.
Music for Hope
Our teens & TBE Youth have recorded songs for us to turn to as we find hope and strength. Click here to listen.
Cantor Emerita Jodi Sufrin shares music to inspire resilience. Click here to listen.
Care for Each Other
Could you use a helping hand?
- Receiving continued check-in calls
- Receiving grocery supplies
- Participating in a “coffee/tea date” with a congregant
- Receiving technology support
Click here to request a helping hand or listening ear.
Click here to lend a helping hand or listening ear.
Vaccination Scheduling Support
If you or someone you know is now eligible to receive the vaccine according to the Mass.gov Phase Guidelines and needs assistance registering for the vaccine, please click on our secure link: I need assistance. Please encourage anyone you know who is in need of support to reach out—we are happy to assist anyone who needs help, whether or not they’re a member of the TBE community. If you are able to volunteer and help others register for their vaccines, please click on our secure link: I can help.
Save a Life: Kidney Donation
One of our highest mitzvot, the commandment of pekuach nefesh, is to preserve human life. Our tradition teaches us that to save one life is to save the entire world. We have an opportunity to do just that within our TBE community.
This fall, the clergy heard from Diane & Gary Glick that Gary is in need of a kidney donation. Learn how you can help Gary.
We also recently heard from Julia & Matt Glazier that Matt is also in need of a kidney donation. Learn how you can help Matt.
Upcoming Events
Bereavement Outreach
Nechama
Reach out to congregants who have experienced a death in their family and offer emotional support.
Sign up as one of the volunteers for a specific month.
Contact
Carol Whitehorn
Carolyn Kohlman
Pastoral Support
Lev Echad
Call and visit with congregants who are unable to come to the synagogue so that no congregant feels forgotten or isolated. As a pastoral volunteer, you will receive training and guidance monthly by our clergy.
Contact
Rabbi Rachel Saphire
Helene Kress
Comfort the Sick
Bikur Cholim
Visit and deliver care packages on behalf of TBE to members dealing with serious illness, injury, or surgery.
Contact
Sandy Goldstein
Amy Fleming
Marcy Davidson
Mental Health Initiative
Help de-stigmatize mental illness through education, advocacy, prayer, and support.
Contact
Alan Posner
Mealmakers
Bring healing with a home-cooked meal. Prepare and deliver food to a member or member’s family in need of this temporary vital support.
Contact
Sandy Goldstein
Shiva Minyan Leaders
Assist the clergy with Minyan Services.
Contact
Rabbi Rachel Saphire
Rabbi Sherman
Career Connections
Interested in supporting members of the TBE community as they develop their careers? Help members—from college graduates to seasoned professionals—network and make professional connections as they navigate career transitions.
See below for receiving support for your career.
Contact
Joe Finer
TBE Caring Knitters
Gather to knit “healing shawls” for members who are experiencing serious illness or a challenging recovery. You can knit from home, too. New knitters welcome!
Contact
Amy Fleming
Julie Wolkoff
Welcome New Babies
Reach out to congregants to welcome their newest family member with a quick visit and special gifts.
Contact
Laura Gilman
New Grandparents
Reach out to congregants to celebrate the arrival of new
Contact
Betsy Kessler
Ask for a Visit
If it’s hard for you to get out and you’d appreciate a visit from a TBE member, please reach out. Members of Lev Echad look forward to being in touch with a phone call or visit.
Contact
Helene Kress
Lifecycle Support
Reach out to clergy and our community for support through lifecycle transitions.
Support Groups
Take care of loved ones and yourself — ask if a group exists or can be formed. Past groups include bereavement, caring for an aging family member, parenting children with special needs, and coping with divorce.
Contact
Rabbi Rachel Saphire
Career Connections
Thanks to Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) for providing resources to help members of our community find employment:
- NEW: JVS and CJP will be launched a new employment support program called the Jewish Re-employment Program (JREP). Receive up to four 30-minute employment counseling sessions, guidance on job search strategies, resume reviews, and interview preparation; opportunities to participate in networking and affinity groups; one-on-one financial coaching for one year; and more, all at no cost to you!
- MassHire Downtown Boston website and membership form
- JVS Talent Match Portal
- JVS Job Seeker Resources
- Navigate Unemployment
- Who is Hiring Now
- CJP Warmline
- JVS Job Seeker Support Group
Interested in connecting with the TBE community for support as you navigate a career transition or launch your career?
Contact
Susan Karon
Mental Health Support
If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional or psychological challenges, please contact the clergy or Daphna Bernstein, our Mental Health Clinician Facilitator.
Download the TBE Mental Health Resource Guide
Watch Rabbi Saphire’s sermon on mental illness
Yoga
Wednesday morning yoga class promotes health, healing, and wellness. Come by and try a class for free!
Contact
Jeannie Goldstone
Gallery
