Thanks to all who donated and recycled electronics in February and to Sara Schultz for coordinating the effort. In March, we will collect items for Family Promise. There is need for cleaning products, laundry supplies, baby diapers, personal care items, pillows, office supplies, gift cards (gas, grocery, home repair), and "welcome home" furnishings for guests moving into new housing (beds, dressers, appliances, furniture, etc.).

We are hard at work on several projects and issues, including refugee assistance and homelessness. There is much more work to be done, including goal-setting and program evaluation. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. at the Broder Center. All are welcome.

miriam treger honig, Chair

We need your help. Join us for our meeting on November 1. Our following meeting will be on December 6. All meetings are at 6 p.m. at the Broder Center.

Rabbi Green will be teaching an adult education class titled "A House for All People: From the Prophets to the Streets." The class will combine the study of Jewish texts with the exploration of contemporary social-justice issues. We will begin by studying the Isaiah passage that is the source of our theme and continue exploring contemporary issues, including the economic justice protests currently taking place in Israel. Come to one session or all. The class will take place at 7 p.m. at the Broder Center on November 29, December 6 and December 13.

In November, we are collecting supplies for American soldiers. For a complete list of requested items, contact Rabbi Green, collection organizer Carrie Rittenhouse or co-chairs Ellen Goldstein and miriam treger honig. The most needed items include: batteries, DVDs of movies, Xbox games, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, mouthwash (travel size only), deodorant (travel size), shoe insoles, tissues (travel size), hair gel, body wash lotion/moisturizer (travel size), and non-perishable snacks, especially beef jerky, Slim Jims, powder drink mix (i.e., Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Crystal Light), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, protein powder, protein bars, Ramen noodles, microwave popcorn and all kinds of chocolate (it won't melt until March so they can enjoy it now). Size requirements must be followed for military regulations and travel.

In December, we will be collecting art supplies and toys for needy children.

Collection bins will be provided all month long at both Delaware and Broder locations.

In addition to the upcoming volunteer and advocacy projects, we will be undertaking a monthly collection for those in need. In October, we will be encouraging all to support TBaZY's food drive. In November, in honor of Veterans Day, we will be collecting needed supplies for active-duty soldiers. Please watch for details.

Our members represent all segments of our congregation and have energy and creativity to spare! They want to work for social justice in our community, in our congregation, in our city and in our world. If you share these desires, please join us. We want you.

Our next meeting is on October 11 at 6 p.m. at the Broder Center. Beginning in November, we will be meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, over a light supper. All are welcome.

Contact us at mtreger@realtyusa.com or egpr@aol.com.

We at TBZ were part of a statewide coalition of religious and secular organizations fighting for equality.  We are proud of our accomplishments, and thrilled to be working with so many wonderful activists and organizations.

We are especially pleased that State Senator Mark Grisanti, who represents the district where our synagogue is located, supported this legislation.  His brave vote of conscience helped to put this legislation over the top.  We want to thank Senator Grisanti for his leadership, for his dedication to the cause of equality, and for taking the time to meet with clergy and congregants from TBZ and other synagogues.

Special thanks to:

Our Social Action Committee, and particularly Social Action Co-chairs Ellen Goldstein and miriam treger honig, for taking up this charge and working so hard to shepherd this important initiative.

The Board of Trustees, and President Howard Rosenhoch, for endorsing and promoting this important initiative, Reform Jewish Voice of New York, our Reform Jewish state advocacy organization, for all their hard work.

The Buffalo Board of Rabbis for their advocacy.

Our LGBT members for their dedication and passion, and all their straight allies for lending their support.

Rabbi Green and Rabbi Rosenfeld for their leadership and advocacy in the community.

Carol Speser for bringing this important legislation to our attention, and for her lifelong, tireless dedication to civil rights work.