CARING COMMUNITY HERE AT MJC&S!

What is a caring community?

The roots of a caring community lie deep within Jewish history.  Throughout time, Jewish communities confronting difficult circumstances established services that would benefit the needs of their population.

A caring community is concerned about the needs of its members and mobilizes resources and programs to meet those needs.  It is the essence of the Jewish social ethic – that the hearts of the Jewish people’s mission is tikkun olam, the repair of the world.  We place heavy emphasis on “doing”.  We want to be an accessible community.  Our families under stress will feel that there is always a listening ear for their concerns and needs , whether that be delivering a few meals during a sickness, just paying a visit to someone homebound or just sending a card or making a phone call.

Here at MJC&S, we have organized a “Caring Community” to assist our members with a full range of issues:  from job search assistance, to counseling and support groups.  We have added a page on our website www.mjcs.org that gives a wealth of information and have established a Caring Community Committee to oversee our programs.

1. “Senior Wisdom Circle” – Tamar Freeman, our Senior Queen will be facilitating a group of love & laughter for seniors.  Even if you are too young to participate, come anyway as it’s always a joy to share Tamar’s enthusiasm for life.  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 9th at 10:30 at the synagogue, and bagels & coffee will be served.  Please call if you are interested or know of anyone else in the community who would like to be included in this group.

2. “Recovering from Loss” -  led by Carole Lieber Wilkins, MFT.    Loss may be a part of life but it sure does hurt.  Whether losing a parent, sibling, partner, close friend or pet, grieving is normal.  It really helps to talk to others who have lost a loved one.  It’s nice to know you are not alone, that others feel the same as you, that they too are sad, scared or angry.  It’s also really helpful to learn skills and tools to get you through the mourning process.  Though it feels like nothing will help, there ware ways to feel a little better and move forward.  Let’s not grieve alone.  Join Carole for a 4-week group on Thursday nights beginning October 1, 2009.  Call the office to register.

3. “Malibu feeds Malibu” -  Lori Gray has worked tirelessly to organize a food exchange between local supermarkets and those in need.  Under the auspices of the synagogue, we are now expanding our one day/week food pick up & delivery from How’s Market to the Malibu Labor Exchange to 2 and 3 days a week so that we can help to feed these families who have very few resources for putting food on the table.  The abundance is here, but the transport is not.  Please consider volunteering one day per month to pick up food from How’s Market in the morning and deliver it to the Director of the Malibu Labor Exchange.  Call Lori Gray at 310-457-7599 to become involved.

4. “Suiting Up” – Lori has also pioneered a program in Malibu with the Weingart Center in Los Angeles to bring used business, professional clothing to those in need.  There are 75,000 homeless people in Los Angeles.  The Weingart Center gives homeless men and women the sills, tools, resources and hope they n eed to break the cycle of homelessness and lead self-sufficient lives.  MJC&S members are encouraged to donate business clothing and accessories, which enables the centers “clients” to wear appropriate clothing for job interviews.  Please contact Lori to make arrangements to donate and deliver your items (310) 457-7599.

5. “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” – Ann Brenoff is spearheading an effort to establish a job networking monthly breakfasts here at the synagogue during these difficult economic times.  This follows our successful networking Shabbat, led by Carole Lieberman, and is part of a Jobs LA program that is supported by Jewish Family Service & Jewish Federation of LA.  We are also participating in a Jewish Community Job Fair to be held at the Wadsworth Auditorium on September 23rd. from 9:00 am – noon. As a co-sponsor of this Job Fair, we have been asked to find 2 businesses within our community that may consider hiring qualified candidates.  Please let us know if you are an interested employer and if you are interested in our networking group.  Details to follow.

6. “MJC&S Resource Bank” – Do you have a small part time job for someone?  Are you looking to volunteer your skills?  Do you need to find another work day for your housekeeper?  We will be putting together a monthly bulletin on our website where you can post your opportunities and requests.  Just email them to lauren@mjcs.org and it will be taken care of.

7. “Bikkur Cholim” – Healing & Health.  Do you know someone who is ill, do you have an hour or two a week that you would be willing to donate towards writing a note, making a phone call or even visiting a sick person?  Veda Kaplan has been our go-to- person along with Nessa Perman in trying to keep our community abreast of those in need of some special care… but they can’t do it alone.  Please call to volunteer your time in the way most appropriate to you.