Temple Israel, a Reform Jewish Congregation in Columbus lead by Rabbi Sharon Mars and Cantor Bat-Ami Moses, has played a generous and meaningful role in the lives of women at Amethyst, an Alvis Recovery Program. Engaging in volunteer opportunities and programming for Amethyst reflects one of the highest Jewish values of “Tikkun Olam,” which means healing our world, explained Cantor Moses.
Over the last year and a half, Temple Israel’s Social Action Committee and volunteers have collected school supplies for children whose moms are in the Amethyst program, knitted hundreds of scarves and hats for adults and children during the winter, organized clothing drives, baked thousands of cookies for special Alvis events and spent time enriching adult and children’s programming. Cantor Moses has taken time herself to add festive music and creative activities to the congregation’s list of donations.
The Temple Israel Social Action committee has helped access significant funds from the Micro Lurie Grants, designed to improve the lives of others. These grants, funded by the Lurie family and administered through Temple Israel, have helped supply much needed new clothing to women in treatment at Amethyst.
At this year’s Annual Holiday Wishes Party for women in recovery, evidence of temple members’ love and kindness were everywhere. Special thanks are due to Paula Kauffman, Paula Weinstein, the Ullman family (Amy Grace, Doug, Sam and Clara), the Temple Israel knitting club, Susie Kanter, Lois Unger, Jeannie Zipser and Barbara Wavrek.
A very special debt of gratitude is owed to temple member, Ashley Simon, who for the last two years has arranged for portraits to be taken of Amethyst women with their children and donated creative materials and volunteers to run a wonderful craft table enjoyed by all.
These countless acts of kindness by the Social Action Committee and individual temple members are greatly valued and appreciated by Alvis leadership and our clients.
