Michelle Minsky Head of US Chesed - United Synagogue Minsky - Inspired... · 3rd July 2016 Project...

Inspired Leadership Conference 3rd July 2016

Project Chesed: What we do and whyMichelle Minsky

Head of US Chesed

Contents

• Social action and Judaism

• The role of Project Chesed

• How do we decide what projects to promote?

• The crucial importance of project chesed co-ordinators

• Projects past and future

Social action and Judaism

Shimon the Righteous in Pirkei Avot said:

“The world stands on three things: Torah (Jewish Learning) Avodah (service of

God) and Gemilut Chasadim(loving kindness)”

Former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks wrote:

“To live the life of faith is to hear the silent cry of the afflicted, the lonely and the

marginal, the poor, the sick and the disempowered and to respond”

Role of Project Chesed

• To promote the concept of social action/Tikkun Olam/social responsibility as part of being a

modern orthodox Jew

• To provide members with practical opportunities to do social action as a community project

• To offer as an alternative means of engaging with our members

• A way we express our Jewish identity

• To make a positive impact on the recipients

How do we decide what projects to promote?

Issues that will resonate with our members

Examples:

Need to be flexible and responsive

Health/

Medical

Issues

Food

Poverty

Homeless-

ness

Green/Environmental

IssuesRefugees International

Project Chesed Coordinators

• A social action enthusiast – no previous knowledge

required!

• Being the point person for the Chesed department to

contact about different Project Chesed initiatives.

• Making sure that these events are well publicised at your

synagogue

• Making it happen locally

• Might initiate local projects and put forward ideas for

central programmes

• Spit for Mum

• We need your teddies

• Help the homeless – donate your

unwanted Chametz

• Local causes – Barnet Refugee Service,

Barnet Homeless Action Centre

• Learning emergency life support skills

Past Projects

• GIFT US Food - today

• Blood donor session at Northwood Synagogue on 17th July

• Collection in September 2016 – pre- Rosh Hashanah

• Silver polishing with Kisharon

• Roll-out of paediatric first-aid courses

• Central Mitzvah Day project in November 2016 (Wrap up London?)

• Ready Steady Cook with Tikun over Xmas-New Year holidays

Forthcoming events planned for 2016

And now for your ideas