Social Action
Social Action - Just Do It
As part of our celebration of Social Action on May 13th, we assembled a booklet of "testimonials" in which members of the NVHC community explain how participating has touched their lives. For inspiration and ideas for making social action a bigger part of your life, click on the link below.
Your Own Social Action
If you are trying to find social action projects in which to participate, or if you want to plan one on your own, the opportunities are vast. With a multitude of local, national and international organizations that need your help, the choices can be daunting. The following list includes organizations suggested by members of the NVHC community. Feel free to choose one, visit their website, send them an email, or give them a call to see how you may be able to help.
The Closet of Greater Herndon
Thrift Store that contributes profits to local charities
Social Action Brings Joy
On December 25th, a contingent of NVHC members, family and friends brought food, music and cheer to over 100 residents of Reston's Hunters Woods Fellowship house.
Headed by Karen Singer, Karen Forman, and Rikki Epstein, a group of approximately 70 NVHC volunteers served a Lasagne Lunch, baked goodies to share, provided musical talent and offered companionship for senior citizens unable to spend the day with their families. To get a flavor of this activity and the impact that the NVHC community can have on those around us, click below to view video slideshows prepared by Ron Shapiro (top) and Eric Forman (bottom). Â
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NVHC Member Action Projects
Many members at Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, moved by our community's commitment to social action, are engaging in projects, volunteer commitments and serve organizations in our wider community. Others honor critical occasions in their lives with gifts of tzedekah or volunteerism in acts of tikkun olam and social action to honor critical occasions in their lives.
Why We Take Action
Everyone has a different reason for participating in social action. Whether through a spiritual, cultural, social or other connection, the act of reaching out is a way to bond with what it means to be human.Â
At the Social Action Shabbat Service on March 28th, 2008, participants shared personal perceptions about why and how they participate in social action.Â
By sharing why social action is important, you can help others in the community understand the depth and breadth of its significance in the Jewish experience.Â
Please click the "add comment" link below to share your thoughts. Whether you share a sentence, a paragraph or a whole page, your perspective is valuable to our community.Â
Warm Food For Cold Nights
Back again for the second year, NVHC has been preparing and serving meals for Reston Interfaith Hypothermia Shelter.
Since our first dinner in December (Ed Byrne's famous Venison Stew), the outpouring of help has been tremendous. For the first two dinners, thirteen individuals and families have cooked, baked, served, provided ingredients and served meals. One family even donated the money they would have spent on Hannukah presents to provide for others, less fortunate in our community.
Mitzvah Day Goes Interfaith
On August 19th, NVHC participated in Works Sunday (Interfaith Mitzvah Day) in the Reston-Herndon area.
NVHC coordinated two concerts for residents of local retirement communities and provided support to critically ill children at Fairfax Hospital's Ronald McDonald House.
Here are some photos taken to chronicle our activities:
Social Action in September
September is a busy month for Social Action at NVHC. Observe the High Holidays by connecting with your Jewish roots through the following activities:
Yom Kippur Food Drive
This NVHC tradition has become a significant part of our High Holiday observance. By donating the food that we do not eat on Yom Kippur, Reston Interfaith is better able to provide for the less fortunate in our community. Fill a bag or two of non-perishable groceries and bring them to Yom Kippur morning services.
