Tzedek, Tzedek tirdof -Deuteronomy 16:20
"Righteousness, righteousness you shall pursue."
Beth Meyer is a social action congregation. We take seriously the Torah injunction to pursue righteousness through our actions. We believe that all actions that reach out to members of both our local and our world wide community - Jews and non-Jews alike - are acts of righteousness, intended to make the world a better place for all its inhabitants. Some actions have immediate impact, while others are designed to provide more long term solutions. Some actions ask for a short-term commitment while others require on-going support. As a diverse community we strive to offer ways for every member of our congregation to find a meaningful way to fulfill the mitzvah of tikkun olam — repairing the world. The social action committee invites your suggestions, your enthusiasm and your participation. To join the Social Action Committee, contact Deborah Goldstein. If you would like to contribute to the Social Action Fund, click here.
Upcoming Efforts that the Social Action Committee is Helping to Support
Circle of Welcome
Beth Meyer Synagogue and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church have formed a Circle of Welcome through HIAS to sponsor a Ukrainian family fleeing a war zone and hoping to rebuild in Raleigh.
About the Family
Svetlana was born in Kyiv and has a higher education from an aviation university. From a young age, she was already very entrepreneurial owning her own clothing stores. She organized an advertising and marketing agency for 15 years. After Margaret was born, she worked successfully in real estate up until the war began. At that point she and Margaret had to flee the war to Germany. She is divorced.
Svetlana is calm, friendly and communicative. She like meditation, yoga, solitude, nature. But she can also be energetic and active as she like communicating with people. She would like to continue working in real estate and perhaps eventually create her own company. She has extensive driving experience. She speaks English at a solid conversational level. Upon arrival in the US, she would like to immediately start working in real estate.
Margaret is a cheerful, calm 11-year-old girl with learning challenges that were not thoroughly diagnosed in Ukraine. She loves to draw, sing and play musical instruments. In Ukraine, she began to go to a music school and play the bandura, a Ukrainian national instrument. She also loves swimming and various outdoor sports.
Margaret has difficulties with education including dyslexia and dysgraphia. In Ukraine, Margaret wasn’t diagnosed with autism, but after consultation with doctors and schools in Germany and the United States, Svetlana believes that she is on the autism spectrum and would like her to receive full diagnosis and early intervention care. Svetlana has heard that the North Carolina universities lead in autism research and early intervention. The ideal option for Margaret is to study at a school with smaller class sizes where more individual attention can be given to each child.
What is Needed: Margaret
Rising eighth grader Fox Jones is collecting items needed to help comfort and welcome Margaret for his mitzvah project. Donations can be placed in collection bins in both lobbies through the first week in July. Here are some of the requested items below — Margaret loves the colors pink and crimson!
•a pink blanket
•pajamas
•a pink dress
•single-size bed Barbie sheets
•a pink watch
•a pink backpack for school
•unicorn and bear stuffed animals
•unscented toiletries
•towels
•size 14/16 summer clothes
•size 6.5/7 shoes (sandals, sneakers, dress shoes)
•helmet and pads for riding a bike
•keyboard
What is Needed: Svetlana's Household
Beth Meyer Synagogue and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church are helping Svetlana furnish her first American home. Please sign up if you can donate food items or household goods. Household items may be new or in good used condition, except as noted. Donations can be placed in collection bins in both lobbies through mid-July.
If you can help in any way or if you have any questions, please email Deborah Goldstein.
