The Caring Community offers many ways for Temple Emanu-El members to reach out to those who are ill, homebound, recently bereaved, or adjusting to the birth of a new child. Depending upon the circumstances, we write notes, make phone calls, deliver a Shabbat meal, or present a family with a baby gift: simple acts that bestow the welcome gift of community to those who are alone or in personal transition.
The Caring Community "cares" as much for its volunteers as its recipients. New members select how they want to participate. Some members write notes or make phone calls while others visit new parents or enjoy in the camaraderie of cooking a Shabbat dinner with other volunteers.
The Caring Community encourages all Temple members to engage in the gift of mitzvot. Perhaps you might consider a 3-month membership in the Caring Community in which you will be asked to volunteer no more than once a month. For further information about this or full membership in the Caring Community, please call Sandra Bauer at 751-2541 x116 or email her at caringcommunity@emanuelsf.org.
CARING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Caring Community of Congregation Emanu-El is an extended spiritual family for those in need. The Caring Community offers care and concern (phone calls, notes, visits, and freshly cooked meals) to Temple congregants who are ill, homebound, mourning, or returning home with a new baby.
Vital to the Caring Community's mission and ability to serve our community is the information we receive about our congregants. The CC is notified of congregants in need by the clergy, Emanu-El staff, friends and family members. We also have a 24-hour confidential voice mail: (415) 751-2541 x 116.
Members of the Caring Community would like to expand our reach and build relationships with more congregants. The pilot program is called, "Caring in the Neighborhood". We offer meals for families during the baby's first week at home and providing more meal service to the homebound. In order to do this, we need ALL Temple members to notify us about upcoming due dates and be willing to respond to our community's needs by cooking and delivering a meal to a family in your neighborhood when requested by the Caring in the Neighborhood program.
We hope you will help the Caring in the Neighborhood help those in need.
CARING COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER BASKETS
These baskets have brought our congregants nourishment and care - would you like to do a mitzvah for a congregant and cook a shabbat dinner?
"I love the opportunity to do something tangible for a congregant in need.
When I walk up to a front door to deliver a freshly cooked meal, I feel as if I'm doing God's work."
If so, please join us as a volunteer on the Caring Community's
Shabbat Dinner Program. The program offers congregants
who are sick the opportunity to honor Shabbat and to be
nourished by a delicious home-cooked meal.
What is the Shabbat Dinner Program?
The program offers congregants who are sick or bereaved a
freshly cooked dinner for four that is home-delivered by
Friday afternoon.
Who makes the meals?
Shabbat Dinner Program volunteers prepare the dinners in
their own kitchens. Two volunteers coordinate the menu
and divide up the responsibilities of shopping, preparation,
cooking, and delivery.
How often does a volunteer cook?
We would like our volunteers to commit to cooking once
every six weeks, but if that's too much, we're happy to work
with your schedule. Of course, if you want to cook more
often, we are delighted to receive your additional help.
Who pays for the meals?
Funding is available to reimburse volunteers for their expenses.
Please contact the Caring Community at
(415)751-2541 x 116.
THE CARING COMMUNITY WELCOMES NEW BABIES
The Caring Community wants to welcome new babies and congratulate their parents. We also have a small gift for the family.
If you have welcomed a new baby into your family, or know of an Emanu-El family who has, please let us know by calling the Caring Community hotline at (415)751-2541 x 116.
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