By Judy Rattner
The goal of the day was to both reach out and reach in to the community, said an organizer, who noted that participants included congregants from synagogues in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as interested community members. The event was designed as an introduction to a year-long project on housing and homelessness with active participation encouraged from the entire community. Veterans housing, helping families on the verge of homelessness, and housing needs of the elderly, disabled and immigrant populations were among the workshops offered.
Activities included cooking 50 pounds of meatballs and spaghetti and grilled vegetables for the Interfaith Nutrition Network. There were hands-on projects for children and families who decorated and stuffed "dream pillows" with little notes that the temple's volunteer youth group will include in another project, "Bedtime Boxes." These boxes, which the teens will complete and deliver to local shelters, will contain soft blankets, hot cocoa mix and bedtime books for children.
A number of local non-profit organizations were on hand to participate in last Sunday's event, including the Interfaith Nutrition Network, Children and Families Association, LI Coalition for Affordable Rental Housing, the Workplace Project, New Ground and Catholic Charities.
"We had a very nice turnout of attendees and a number of special things," said Rabbi Marc Gruber, of Central Synagogue, a keynote speaker. "We had people from across the generations - elders, children and people in between. People from Nassau and Suffolk. People were touched. Prejudices were dissolved or at least pressed. Eyes were opened. People are looking at things differently. They are signing up to do follow up activities. The work is beginning today with education, awareness, hands on support, advocacy and a sense of commitment to doing this for the long term, not just for today."
