Ha-Shofar Article July 2025
Social Action Committee
After serving as the Social Action Chair/Co-chair for over 9 years, Marlene Jacoby
passed the torch to Co-chair Laurie Chess. Robert Kline graciously stepped up to be
Co-chair for 2025-6. The committee has had many accomplishments over the years, but
sadly we have lost several key members (Sally Gooze, Carol Samsky, of blessed
memories), in addition to attrition due to other circumstances. We continue to have a
small, core group that meets every other month by zoom. We look forward to welcoming
new and re-committed members who can add their ideas and energy, all the while
being cognizant of our congregation’s small size and capacity. If you’re someone who is
feeling concerned and/or depressed about the state of things, for our immigrant
neighbors, for people living with inadequate food and housing, engaging in tikkun olam,
even in small steps, can make a difference. We are grateful to have very supportive
leadership in our new CBI President Eddie Kramer and our Rabbi Mitch Levine, who is
no stranger to advocating for progressive issues through a Jewish lens, particularly on
subjects such as reproductive rights and immigration. The following encapsulates our
history and future aspirations:
Broad Goal: To engage in Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”/social justice)
1-Support/promote civic engagement
2-Stimulate/facilitate volunteerism and charitable giving
3-Disseminate/share information/educate/create connections
4-Represent CBI and Jews in the larger community (“show up”)
How?
1-Currently, we are sharing information about contacting legislators about impending
legislation, representatives attend Interfaith Action Network and Interfaith Communities
for Immigration Justice. In the past, we have offered voter engagement opportunities.
2-We currently schedule volunteer activities for members, as a group, at the following
non-profits that address housing and food insecurity and other social issues: WNC
Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Nechama. Other potential organizations being
considered: Food Connection, CIMA, Red Tent. We make donations (cash and
materials): Beloved, Homeward Bound, Manna Food Bank.
3-Bi-monthly Social Action meetings, via zoom, offer opportunities to share about
related events/opportunities and resources in the Jewish and wider community
(recorded in minutes and shared with a mailing list of approximately 25 CBI members),
including newsletters, websites, programs, etc. The Rabbi or others with expertise will
offer talks, either from the Bimah or at other times, which are requested and/or
facilitated by the committee, on social justice issues.
4- Members and clergy represent the congregation, in larger Jewish Asheville efforts
and in wider WNC community settings promoting social justice (e.g., inter-faith
gatherings, civic meetings, demonstrations, etc.)
Our first meeting will be August 12, 5:30-6:30 PM on zoom. A zoom link will be sent out
before the meeting to everyone on the Social Action committee mailing list. If you’re not
on the e-mail list, contact Laurie (chesslaurie@gmail.com) so we can add you.