Social Responsibility Shabbat

On the second Friday night of each month, the Circle sponsors an informational program which is integrated into the Friday night Shabbat Service.

Past topics have included issues of health care reform, worker rights, the St. Louis schools, desegregation, capital punishment, abortion rights, gay and lesbian concerns and issues, and more.

The goal of Social Responsibility Shabbat is to inform members about important social responsibility topics, and to offer opportunities for participation in activities of Tikkun Olam. 

Upcoming Social Responsibility Shabbat Services:

July 11, 2008:

Pat Joshu from the Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Program

The Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Program (IRWP) works to increase the independence and reduce the isolation of immigrant and refugee women by teaching them basic English and practical living skills in the security of their own homes.

Services are provided by a network of volunteer teachers, who work with women who have recently come to St. Louis from countries such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iran, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Vietnam.  IRWP reaches out to women who need to learn English and skills but who cannot leave their homes due to physical challenges, effects of war trauma, child care responsibilities, and/or transportation issues.

IRWP is actively seeking new volunteers to help them serve more women.  At Social Responsibility Shabbat, Pat Joshu, the Executive Director, will talk about the experience of immigrant and refugee women in St. Louis, what it takes to be a volunteer, and what these services mean to the women being served.

Additional information about the Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Program is also available online at www.irwp.net, or by calling their office at (314) 771-1104.

August 8 , 2008:

Nathan Graves from the St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center and CRC's Education Tikkun Olam Team

Join CRC's Education Tikkun Olam Team to kick off a new partnership with the students at the St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center. Nathan Graves from the JDC will share information on the types of students who come to the Center and the services the Center seeks from the greater St. Louis Community.  The Education Team will talk about CRC's planned partnership with the Juvenile Detention Center and how YOU can get involved!