SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SHABBAT

On the second Friday night of each month, we sponsor 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. 

“Poverty: Changing the Paradigm”
Social Responsibility Series at CRC

“Poverty: Changing the Paradigm” will be a series of Social Responsibility Shabbat services and supporting programs designed to help us gain a deeper understanding of poverty issues in St. Louis and what we can do as a community to help.

For each topic, we will seek to learn:

• What are the realities of this issue? How does this issue contribute to keeping people impoverished?
• What resources and programs operate now to help people dealing with this issue?
• What changes would make a difference, and how can we help?

The series will conclude with a congregational discussion about all we have heard and learned and about where we will put our congregational energy to help combat poverty in St. Louis.

Tentative Schedule:
*Unless otherwise noted, all programs are Social Responsibility Shabbat programs, which take place the second Friday of the month during our 7:30 pm Shabbat service.

Details on topics and speakers will be posted as they become available.

Friday, October 9: Housing Challenges

Chris Kreymeyer, Beyond Housing

Lack of affordable housing is a major contributor to poverty for St. Louis families. As we celebrate Sukkot, let’s talk about the issues of shelter for families facing or experiencing poverty. We’ll discuss what the realities are, what resources are currently available to those struggling to find and keep affordable housing, and how we can help “change the paradigm” and make affordable housing more accessible for Missourians.

Friday, November 13: Hunger

Glenn Koenen, Circle of Concern

Hunger is a daily reality for thousands of St. Louis-area families. From downtown St. Louis to the outer limits of the metropolitan area, individuals and families living on limited incomes struggle to afford
sufficient food for their families – and accessing healthy food is often even more difficult.

Friday, December 11: Social Responsibility Shabbat & First Night of Chanukah: Interactive Family Program

Friday, January 8: Health Issues & How They Contribute to Poverty

Friday, February 12: Education Disparities

Friday, March 12: Employment Barriers

Friday, April 9: Building a Long Spoons Coalition: How Our Tax Structure Affects Missouri Families

Date TBA: Culmination: Congregational Discussion

Poverty Simulation:
Sunday, December 13, 10:00 am at CRC
The Poverty Simulation is a powerful, experiential program that will deepen your understanding of the daily realities and hard choices facing individuals living in poverty. Community Resource Volunteers and Simulation Participants are needed.  Both roles offer great opportunities for learning!

RSVP required.  To sign up to volunteer or participate, please contact Jen Bersdale at (314) 361-1564 ext. 116 or jennifer@centralreform.org .

Recent Services

Friday, August 14

St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center
Jeffrey Williamson, St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center

Linda Riekes, Monica Allen, and Ken Goldman, members of CRC's Education Tikkun Olam Team

Friday, July 10

Ethical Eating
Rabbi Randy Fleisher and Jen Bersdale, Central Reform Congregation

Friday, June 12

LGBT Issues Today

A.J. Bockelman, Executive Director, PROMO

Ed Reggi and Scott Emanuel, Show Me Marriage Equality

Friday, April 10

Missouri Budget update

Amy Smoucha, St. Louis Jobs with Justice

Friday, May 15

St. Louis City Public Schools

Kelvin Adams, Ph.D., New Superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools

Friday, February 13

Missouri Health Care for All

Ronald J. Levy. Director, Missouri Department of Social Services

Rev. James T. Morris. Pastor, Lane Tabernacle CME Church and State Representative, 58th House District