Kesher
KESHER Means “Connection” - Opportunities to Serve and to be Served
The Temple Beth Tzedek Kesher Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between all our members, especially those isolated by illness, disability or care provider obligations. Our goal is to stay in touch in meaningful ways. Here are our current projects:
We have Holiday deliveries to about 150 homebound and other members in our thoughts, for the High Holy Days, Purim and Shavuot. Our twice-a-year Challah Bakes yield hand-baked challah for the High Holy Days and Shavuot. Our Video productions, for Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah, were produced for distribution to our homebound members and to adult Jews with special needs.
Phone Pals, regular caring phone calls to many of our homebound members from congregant phone pals to “check in,” share news of upcoming services and events, and see if we can provide assistance for those who wish to attend.
Home and hospital visits (bikur cholim) with library books, books on tape and Shofar on tape.
Correspondence with our members at times of illness, loss and simcha
Annual Kesher-Youth Congregational Dinner. Members who do not get out easily attend as our guests, with transportation provided by fellow congregants.
TBTz Outstretched Arm programs for Jews with special needs at TBTz. Participants include the Gesher School, USY, musicians, a photographer, and a large group of dedicated volunteers.
Correspondence at times of loss, illness and simcha. Birthday greetings to our members 80 years+, and to our members with special needs.
Shofar on Tape, for members who would appreciate listening to the Shofar on audiotape.
B’nai Mitzvah Community Service Program. Our synagogue youth participate in our Kesher programs in preparation for their roles as adults within the Jewish community.
Other Programs: Basic Passover Food Purchase and Delivery; Holiday Meal Home Hospitality Arrangements; Shiva Meal Coordination (when needed); reading of Psalms prior to funeral services in our sanctuary (upon request).
Let us know how we can “connect” with you!
Let us know how you would like to reach out to others!
We are all enriched by our connection!
Janet Gunner, founding chair of Kesher
- For Janet Gunner, then Kesher Chair, at the November Women's League Convention
and in the Spring, 2009, issue of Kollot. - Silver recognition, Solomon Schechter Award for Inclusion, 2011
