Social Action

Social Action (B’Yadeynu) Committee

Social Action/B’Yadeynu (‘in our hands’) Committee reaches out to those in need in our community, both locally and globally. B’Yadeynu often partners with other synagogue and nonprofit agencies, giving Emanuel members the opportunity to bring forward their own ideas and chair projects based on personal interest.

Annual and ongoing B’Yadeynu projects include:

  • Collections for: Foodshare, The Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry, and West Hartford Food Pantry.
  • Annual Blood Drive: American Red Cross
  • Lillian Harris Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
  • Holiday gifts to Jewish soldiers overseas.
  • Monthly Friday services at Hebrew Health
  • Partnership with JFACT for the CT annual Interfaith Hunger Seder
  • Passover fund donation distribution
  • Education to raise awareness for both local and global issues, such as the Yazidi genocide project

B’Yadeynu is represented on the Social Justice Task Force and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, as as well as other social action community committees. We welcome you to join us! Chair: Janet Wallans.

Chesed Committee

While B’Yadenu reaches out to the Jewish Community, Chesed Committee focuses internally on our Emanuel Synagogue congregants, offering help and support.

Among the services Chesed provides are:

  • Hanukkah, Purim & High Holiday baskets to college students and home bound members
  • Soup and challah for bereaved families
  • Take food to families in need of support during illness or other difficulties
  • Cards/calls to members
  • Rides to Emanuel* events and services (*contact us for details)

Please help Chesed fulfill its mission! Volunteer to help us serve each other, and please contact us if you know someone who may need help. Chair: Ken Malley.