A Land for All: Two States One Homeland
Sunday, September 22, 1:30 - 4:00 PM
As we approach the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Israeli war in Gaza, we can choose to see not just tragedy, but an opportunity to work for change. Join the Social Action Committee for a video with the co-directors of A Land for All, followed by conversation and refreshments. A Land for All is a new Israeli-Palestinian “think tank” which has a fresh plan for Palestinian-Israeli coexistence. CST members only, available in person only. REGISTER TO ATTEND.
Combatants for Peace
Sunday, December 1, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Palestinian and Israeli members of the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated group will be back to update us on their accomplishments. These former foes are working to live peacefully, even as recent months have brought pain, death, and harsh realizations about the political challenges ahead. Following the presentation, we will dig in for a community conversation. CST members only, in person and on Zoom. REGISTER TO ATTEND.
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Postcarding for Democracy 2024
Congratulations! You stepped up to help and your participation in this project will make a difference in the November election.
In our just completed nine-week campaign, CST members hand wrote 6,290 postcards targeted to get out the vote in Georgia. This state has a documented history of voter suppression, especially in rural communities of color. We estimate that approximately 200 CST families participated in this effort.
Many upcoming races are very close and will be decided by a few thousand votes.
Thank you very, very much for helping.
~The Social Action Committee
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Fall 2023 Series
Facing the Challenges... Together ("The Future") Presented on Nov 5th. This event was not recorded. In a community in conversation format, we explored ways minority communities can mutually support each other.
Racism: From Underground to "In Your Face" ("The Present") Presented on Oct 15th. Click Here to watch the recording. Antisemitism and anti-Asian racism is rising after staying underground for decades. How bad is it? How are we feeling the effects? How are our youth experiencing it?
Sonoma Stories: Starting Over in a Strange Land ("The Past") Presented on Sep 10th. Click Here to watch the recording. Discover the fascinating histories of Jewish, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino immigration to Sonoma County.
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Spring 2023 Series
Latin Jewish history and the current experience of Latin Jews in the Bay Area with Jewtina y Co. Watch the Recording Here. Originally Aired January 22
Building an inclusive Jewish community for Black, African American, and mixed-race Jews with Be’chol Lashon. Watch the Recording Here. Originally Aired February 26
Sample an Asian Jewish Seder with LUNAR. Originally Aired March 11
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Click Here to volunteer for a shift at Elisha’s Pantry.
Check out a Social Action Committee meeting. For more info, contact the office.
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Social Action Committee Accomplishments in 2022
January - August - We arranged and worked on the “Reclaim Our Vote” postcard campaign. Over 6500 postcards were sent to voters from Congregation Shomrei Torah.
June - Many Social Action committee members as well as other congregants marched in the annual Santa Rosa Gay Pride Parade. A phenomenal community event.
July - Several committee members attended the Reproductive Rights March in Santa Rosa. Some committee members participated in non-partisan political canvassing with NBOP in Petaluma.
October - Some individual members of the Social Action Committee did political canvassing work in Arizona, Nevada, and Central California.
November - We worked with the STaRS children and staff to prepare 500 bags of needed items to be handed out to those unsheltered in our community. A true mitzvah project for all of us. We will be doing more intergenerational work with the children into the new year.
December - We organized our annual successful Winter Clothing Drive for Elisha’s Pantry. Some committee members worked with the STaRS children at their annual Hannukah event.
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Ongoing SAC Projects
Elisha’s Pantry
We partner with Christ United Methodist Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church to distribute food to people in need. The pantry, which is at 1717 Yulupa Avenue, is open on Thursday afternoons. To sign up to work at the pantry, click here.
Other Projects
The Social Action Committee has presented films, forums, and panel discussions highlighting current issues. Past programs have addressed criminal justice reform, homelessness, election concerns, gun violence, money bail, immigration issues, the climate crisis and much more. If there is an issue of specific importance to you, please let us know – and join us. For more information, contact the CST office.
Social Action Resources
The Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, California is a valuable resource with up-to-date analyses of key social justice topics through a Jewish lens. The RAC also has action guides for urgent social issues specifically within our state, read more.
Wed, October 23 2024
21 Tishrei 5785
Our Mission
The Congregation Shomrei Torah Social Action Committee was founded over 30 years ago with the intent to put the principles of social justice and tikkun olam into action by creating programs and events that support the mission of the congregation.
We are a committee of over 20 people who are dedicated to making our community a better place for all. We meet monthly.
New folks and ideas are always welcome, please join us!
For more information, contact the office.
Contact the Social Action Committee
