The Adath Hesed Committee is our Congregation’s social justice committee, focusing on direct service, advocacy and support in areas of affordable housing and food insecurity in the U.S. and Israel and working with other organizations to promote social justice in a variety of additional areas.
Since January 20th, the White House has stopped almost all legal immigration channels. However, some legal refugees are still arriving into the area. If you would like to help with a new Sponsor Circle to support a new refugee family, contact Larry Parks.
Since January 20th, the White House has stopped almost all legal immigration channels. However, some legal refugees are still arriving into the area. If you would like to help with a new Sponsor Circle to support a new refugee family, contact Larry Parks.
Breaking Hesed News
The Family Has Arrived!
~ A letter about their arrival ~
I’m very happy to pass on the news that the refugee family we are hosting arrived [Wednesday, January 15] at MSP. They were greeted by part of our Sponsor Circle team and taken to the AirBnb where they will stay temporarily until we work with them to find a more permanent apartment.
As you know, this is a refugee family under the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and was vetted extensively by the US Department of State before being admitted as legal immigrants. They will be eligible to work as soon as they are settled. Our Sponsor Circle will help support them during their first six months in Minneapolis and help them acclimate to American life.
The family was tired after a long day of travel but appeared well and excited to be here. For each of them this is a life-changing moment. Other members of our team were at the AirBnb to greet them, show them the home and offer them a meal. Team members [made] sure they're equipped for cold weather and can find their way around a grocery store.
One of our volunteers who greeted the family at the airport wrote: “Thank you for letting me be part of this! It is so emotional, enlightening and powerful!!!” Another team member, Patricia Izek, wrote: “An amazing team you put together, thank you for letting me be part of it!”
For me, the family's arrival brings back memories of my family's arrival - landing at LAX under similar circumstances in 1957 as a little boy who fled with my family during the Hungarian Revolution. I’m so glad we’re doing this, and honored that our co-chairs joined me to create this team, that our clergy and lay leadership have been so supportive, and that so many members of Adath are participating with us with full hearts in this mitzvah. Tonight we literally welcomed the stranger.
Now the work begins!
~ A letter about their arrival ~
I’m very happy to pass on the news that the refugee family we are hosting arrived [Wednesday, January 15] at MSP. They were greeted by part of our Sponsor Circle team and taken to the AirBnb where they will stay temporarily until we work with them to find a more permanent apartment.
As you know, this is a refugee family under the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and was vetted extensively by the US Department of State before being admitted as legal immigrants. They will be eligible to work as soon as they are settled. Our Sponsor Circle will help support them during their first six months in Minneapolis and help them acclimate to American life.
The family was tired after a long day of travel but appeared well and excited to be here. For each of them this is a life-changing moment. Other members of our team were at the AirBnb to greet them, show them the home and offer them a meal. Team members [made] sure they're equipped for cold weather and can find their way around a grocery store.
One of our volunteers who greeted the family at the airport wrote: “Thank you for letting me be part of this! It is so emotional, enlightening and powerful!!!” Another team member, Patricia Izek, wrote: “An amazing team you put together, thank you for letting me be part of it!”
For me, the family's arrival brings back memories of my family's arrival - landing at LAX under similar circumstances in 1957 as a little boy who fled with my family during the Hungarian Revolution. I’m so glad we’re doing this, and honored that our co-chairs joined me to create this team, that our clergy and lay leadership have been so supportive, and that so many members of Adath are participating with us with full hearts in this mitzvah. Tonight we literally welcomed the stranger.
Now the work begins!
Sponsor Circle Overview
The Hesed Committee has created a “Sponsor Circle” - a U. S. Department of State initiative - to resettle a refugee family in the Minneapolis area.
The Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) is working with us to help establish the family in the community within their first six months in the U.S. Each year, the United States admits a defined number of particularly meritorious refugees who are carefully vetted. They come to the United States with full immigrant legal status, are granted work permits and social security cards, and are on the road to citizenship. HAIS fully vets refugees through criminal background checks and provides appropriate mechanisms for the family to obtain social security cards and become U.S. citizens.
Three Adath members are co-chairs of the project and several other volunteer members have agreed to handle each of the areas of need.
The Hesed Committee has created a “Sponsor Circle” - a U. S. Department of State initiative - to resettle a refugee family in the Minneapolis area.
The Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) is working with us to help establish the family in the community within their first six months in the U.S. Each year, the United States admits a defined number of particularly meritorious refugees who are carefully vetted. They come to the United States with full immigrant legal status, are granted work permits and social security cards, and are on the road to citizenship. HAIS fully vets refugees through criminal background checks and provides appropriate mechanisms for the family to obtain social security cards and become U.S. citizens.
Three Adath members are co-chairs of the project and several other volunteer members have agreed to handle each of the areas of need.
You Can Help Now
Donate Funds: We are required to raise almost $2500 for each family member. The Shapiro Foundation has generously committed to help cover expenses, but more will be needed.
Go Shopping for household items: We have set up an Amazon wish list of items. With a few clicks, you can purchase an item or two which will be sent to the team for safekeeping until housing has been found.
Donate new or gently used personal and household items: Use our Sign-up Genius form and drop the items off at the Gan during regular hours .
For more donation and furnishings information or questions, contact [email protected].
Thanks in advance. Every baby bottle, frying pan, broom or dollar that we can collect together will allow us to take advantage of our wonderful Adath village.
Go Shopping for household items: We have set up an Amazon wish list of items. With a few clicks, you can purchase an item or two which will be sent to the team for safekeeping until housing has been found.
Donate new or gently used personal and household items: Use our Sign-up Genius form and drop the items off at the Gan during regular hours .
For more donation and furnishings information or questions, contact [email protected].
Thanks in advance. Every baby bottle, frying pan, broom or dollar that we can collect together will allow us to take advantage of our wonderful Adath village.
Upcoming Events
HESED Sponsor Circle – Refugee resettlement
The family arrived Wednesday, January 15, where they were living temporarily in an AirBnB through a grant from AirBnB Corporate. Both our Sponsor Circle committee and the Adath congregation have been so thoughtful, respectful, and helpful to the family. We have started the benefits enrollment processes, the kids have started school, the father has started working, and the family is taking English classes.
While we have raised money that is projected to support the family during the next six months, we can always use for more funds for unexpected expenses and to perhaps seed our next Sponsor Circle effort. The family is expected to be financially self-sufficient within six months, but keep in mind that they, like many of our grandparents, came to America with no assets except a huge desire to make a better life for themselves and their children. Please encourage your friends and family to donate to our Sponsor Circle Fund.
The family arrived Wednesday, January 15, where they were living temporarily in an AirBnB through a grant from AirBnB Corporate. Both our Sponsor Circle committee and the Adath congregation have been so thoughtful, respectful, and helpful to the family. We have started the benefits enrollment processes, the kids have started school, the father has started working, and the family is taking English classes.
While we have raised money that is projected to support the family during the next six months, we can always use for more funds for unexpected expenses and to perhaps seed our next Sponsor Circle effort. The family is expected to be financially self-sufficient within six months, but keep in mind that they, like many of our grandparents, came to America with no assets except a huge desire to make a better life for themselves and their children. Please encourage your friends and family to donate to our Sponsor Circle Fund.
MAZON Virtual Hunger Museum Docent Tour
Tentative Date: Evening of June 10
The HESED Committee is in the early stages of planning a Docent Tour of the MAZON Virtual Hunger Museum, tentatively planned for the evening of June 10. Congregant Howard Tarkow who is on the MAZON National Board will present the tour which highlights the history of hunger, and what we can do as a community to help end it. If you would like to help plan this event, contact Larry Parks or Howard Tarkow.
Los Angeles Area Wild Fires
Please consider supporting the USCJ Emergency Fund to help the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a cornerstone of the Conservative / Masorti community in Southern California.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Larry Parks at 612.810.0548 or [email protected].
For further questions or information about the Hesed Sponsor Circle, please email us.
Additional Information
Information on the Sponsor circle program
We are currently helping a refugee family become established in the community within their first six months in the U.S. Refugees are defined as individuals having a well-founded fear of persecution in their home countries who seek the protection of the international community to provide them with safety and security. Each year, the United States admits a defined number of particularly meritorious refugees who are carefully vetted. They come to the United States with full immigrant legal status, are granted work permits and social security cards, and are on the road to citizenship.
Volunteers welcome the family, orient them to the new environment and provide help with:
Volunteers welcome the family, orient them to the new environment and provide help with:
- Housing and furnishings
- Finance and employment
- Benefits and healthcare
- Education and Language
High Holy Day Food Drive and STEP Food Pantry
High Holy Day Food Drive to benefit the STEP Food Pantry in St. Louis Park.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the High Holy Day Food Drive. If you didn't have a chance to donate food items, we invite you to donate funds. Stay tuned for Food Drive donation results!
Help serve a meal at a neighborhood shelter - Dates Available
Gather your friends, family, chavura, etc., and contact Joy Sandler at [email protected] to help make arrangements. The shelter requires volunteers to be 14+ years of age with adult supervision.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the High Holy Day Food Drive. If you didn't have a chance to donate food items, we invite you to donate funds. Stay tuned for Food Drive donation results!
Help serve a meal at a neighborhood shelter - Dates Available
Gather your friends, family, chavura, etc., and contact Joy Sandler at [email protected] to help make arrangements. The shelter requires volunteers to be 14+ years of age with adult supervision.
Past Events
Adath Congregants met with Minnesota Congress persons asking for support of MAZON’s Farm Bill Priorities. These priorities include protecting and strengthening funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (aka food stamps).
August 14, 2023
Rabbi Kravitz, Ardis Wexler, Steve Krikiva, Larry Parks, other Rabbis, members of Beth El and Bet Shalom social justice committes met with Dean Phillips, MN 3rd at the ICA Food Shelf along with ICA staff and Michelle Ness, PRISM Executive Director to discuss MAZON’s Farm Bill Priorities.
Pictured left to right: Bill Burr, ICA Ops Mgr, Congressman Dean Phillips, Michelle Ness, PRISM Executive Director, Ardis Wexler, Steve Krikiva
Congressman Dean Phillips at ICA to discuss MAZAON’s Farm Bill Priorities along with Rabbi Kravitz and Adath congregants Larry Parks, Ardis Wexler and Steve Krikiva
Article from Rabbi Alexander Davis, Beth El Synagogue
in their August congregational email blast
Yesterday, I participated in a meeting with Congressman Dean Phillips at ICA, a food shelf in Minnetonka, to learn about and discuss issues of food insecurity. The meeting was organized by Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, together with JFCS, and Prism and included clergy and lay leaders from Adath Jeshurun Beth El, and Bet Shalom. Beth El was represented by social justice committee chair and committee member, Aklilu Dunlap and Cindy Witkin.
One of the points that was emphasized was that people who face food insecurity often have compounding needs. ICA responds by helping address issues of housing insecurity, helps with job searches, provides mental health support, and more.
At the close of the meeting, I shared words which appear in our Yom Kippur haftara and which inspire our annual STEP food drive. The prophet Isaiah calls on us to “satisfy the famished.” For then, “will our light shine in the darkness.”
There is much darkness in our nation as the number of people who are food insecure increases. Indeed, the problem is larger than any one institution or faith-based organization can solve. That is why we turn to government to help address the systemic issue of hunger in America.
Even as we advocate for our government to address the systemic issue of hunger insecurity, we are called upon to do our part. Support our annual Yom Kippur STEP food drive. Together, we can shine a light on this nation.
-Rabbi Alexander Davis
One of the points that was emphasized was that people who face food insecurity often have compounding needs. ICA responds by helping address issues of housing insecurity, helps with job searches, provides mental health support, and more.
At the close of the meeting, I shared words which appear in our Yom Kippur haftara and which inspire our annual STEP food drive. The prophet Isaiah calls on us to “satisfy the famished.” For then, “will our light shine in the darkness.”
There is much darkness in our nation as the number of people who are food insecure increases. Indeed, the problem is larger than any one institution or faith-based organization can solve. That is why we turn to government to help address the systemic issue of hunger in America.
Even as we advocate for our government to address the systemic issue of hunger insecurity, we are called upon to do our part. Support our annual Yom Kippur STEP food drive. Together, we can shine a light on this nation.
-Rabbi Alexander Davis
August 13, 2023
Steve Krikiva, Adath Congregant and a member of MAZON’s national government affairs committee, met with Congresswoman Betty McCollum, MN 4th to discuss MAZON’s Farm Bill –
Steve Krikiva, Adath Congregant and a member of MAZON’s national government affairs committee, met with Congresswoman Betty McCollum, MN 4th to discuss MAZON’s Farm Bill –
A small group through Hesed prepared a lovely meal recently for the residents of Our Saviour's Shelter. Two of our Hesed Heros, Sheryl and Gabriel Cooper went to great lengths to bake three types of luscious desserts for the shelter’s residents! We hope to volunteer more this fall and winter. However, due to the Delta variant, Hesed will be making decisions one day at a time following the guidance from Adath leadership, the CDC and local officials in order to ensure everyone’s safety. We are asking all Hesed volunteers to be completely vaccinated and wear masks in order to prevent spread. It’s a huge Mitzvah to volunteer, but it’s critical we make sure everyone is safe!
L’Shanah Tovah from Hesed! Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and blessed New Year!
Read all About it
Read about the work that Hesed has been able to do in the community, and also hear from members of our Giving Circle on what makes advocacy, volunteering, and donating such an important part of their Adath life in the Blog.
Thank you to our Hesed Heroes
Organizations we work with
MAZON is asking congregations encourage congregants to contact their Congress members requesting support of MAZON’s Farm Bill Priorities. These priorities include protecting and strengthening funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (aka food stamps)
MAZON’s Farm Bill Priorities:
MAZON’s Farm Bill Priorities:
Please write or email your Senators and Congress persons asking them to support MAZON’s Farm Bill priorities:
Senator Amy Klobuchar: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
Senator Tina Smith: https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Minnesota Congress Persons: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
“Each year on Purim we recount our ancestors’ efforts to protect us from unfathomable evil. In their spirit, this year we must continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to put food on the table and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate food insecurity, I hope you will join in standing up against the injustice of hunger, and support MAZON. With your support, we can secure a world in which people of all faiths and backgrounds can feed themselves and their families with dignity.”
Donate to Mazon
MAZON 2022 Insider Briefing Series-- See Rabbi Kravitz's Opening Remarks!
As part of the MAZON 2022 Insider Series, Rabbi Kravitz participated in a discussion with Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan and Abby Leibman, MAZON CEO and President, titled “Single Moms in the Perfect Storm: The Feminization of Poverty and Hunger”.
Senator Amy Klobuchar: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact
Senator Tina Smith: https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Minnesota Congress Persons: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
“Each year on Purim we recount our ancestors’ efforts to protect us from unfathomable evil. In their spirit, this year we must continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to put food on the table and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate food insecurity, I hope you will join in standing up against the injustice of hunger, and support MAZON. With your support, we can secure a world in which people of all faiths and backgrounds can feed themselves and their families with dignity.”
Donate to Mazon
MAZON 2022 Insider Briefing Series-- See Rabbi Kravitz's Opening Remarks!
As part of the MAZON 2022 Insider Series, Rabbi Kravitz participated in a discussion with Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan and Abby Leibman, MAZON CEO and President, titled “Single Moms in the Perfect Storm: The Feminization of Poverty and Hunger”.
Our mission is "to offer hope as we provide assistance to our neighbors in need". Our vision is "to uphold the dignity of our neighbors in need as they strive for self-sufficiency, and share the ongoing work of assisting our neighbors in partnership with the congregations, organizations, businesses, and individuals in our communities".
Click here to donate now
Click here to donate now
"PRISM is committed to responding to the needs of our community during these challenging times - Donations are down, visits to the food shelf are expected to rise. What we need most is cash and food. Please consider making a donation to PRISM to ensure we have the necessary food to give to our most vulnerable neighbors."
Click here to donate online
Click here to donate online
"The St. Louis Park Emergency Program’s mission is to identify, address and respond to the critical and emergency needs of residents in St. Louis Park. We are the St. Louis Park community food shelf and social service agency. We directly provide food and clothing to residents in need, as well as advocacy, referrals, and build a collaborative relationship. Since 1975, STEP volunteers and professional staff have been empowering lives and restoring hope. Our vision is to be the trusted resource for connecting community members with resources to fulfill their basic needs."
Click here to find ways to donate
Click here to find ways to donate
Other Organizations/causes we support and are active with
Affordable Housing
Edina Neighbors for Affordable Housing
Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH)
Gun Violence Prevention
Moms Demand Action
Protect Minnesota
Jewish Community Action – Minnesota’s Jewish Voice for racial and economic justice for all
RISE Early Learning Center, St Louis Park. founded by Westwood Lutheran Church, developed in partnership with CommonBond Communities. Adath is one of 11 sponsoring congregations.
Our Saviour’s Community Services – Serving meals at their shelter
Loaves and Fishes – Serving meals at their shelter
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) – advocacy on social justice issues at the State of Minnesota legislature
Support for Ethiopian Jews
Jewish Agency - main role is Aliyah and absorption
North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry NACOEJ www.nacoej.org/
The Jewish Federations of North America JFNA https://www.jewishfederations.org/
Represents 146 independent Federations and a network of 300 smaller communities across the continent. Their mission is to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel and civil society.
Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jewry (SSEJ) - donations go straight to ground zero of humanitarian aid for those still in Ethiopia; food, medical care, education and security
Joint Distribution Committee JDC https://www.jdc.org/
Global Jewish humanitarian organization
Edina Neighbors for Affordable Housing
Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH)
Gun Violence Prevention
Moms Demand Action
Protect Minnesota
Jewish Community Action – Minnesota’s Jewish Voice for racial and economic justice for all
RISE Early Learning Center, St Louis Park. founded by Westwood Lutheran Church, developed in partnership with CommonBond Communities. Adath is one of 11 sponsoring congregations.
Our Saviour’s Community Services – Serving meals at their shelter
Loaves and Fishes – Serving meals at their shelter
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) – advocacy on social justice issues at the State of Minnesota legislature
Support for Ethiopian Jews
Jewish Agency - main role is Aliyah and absorption
North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry NACOEJ www.nacoej.org/
The Jewish Federations of North America JFNA https://www.jewishfederations.org/
Represents 146 independent Federations and a network of 300 smaller communities across the continent. Their mission is to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel and civil society.
Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jewry (SSEJ) - donations go straight to ground zero of humanitarian aid for those still in Ethiopia; food, medical care, education and security
Joint Distribution Committee JDC https://www.jdc.org/
Global Jewish humanitarian organization
Support for Turkish earthquake relief through Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS)
Other hesed content
Hesed Committee Meeting Minutes Coming Soon.
