In Pirkei Avot, we learn, “Lo alecha ham’lacha ligmor, v’lo atah ben horin l’hivatel mimena;” it is not the responsibility of any one individual to complete the work of repairing the world, but neither are we free to refrain from beginning it. We can’t just sit back on our hands and watch while others strive to improve our community – either general or Jewish – and right now, there are several opportunities to do our part.
1. Vote.
The election is Tuesday, November 2. Learn as much as you can about the candidates. That might include coming to the Candidates Forum with Rep. John Yarmuth and Todd Lally on Sunday, October 24, at 3 p.m. Then make your decision and, on election day, go to the polls to perform this very important civic mitzvah.
2. Learn how you can help.
Read Community to learn what’s happening in the Louisville Jewish community. Visit www.jewishlouisville.org to learn more.
The Jewish Community of Louisville’s new programming model makes it easy for you to get information about anything that’s happening in the community. If you need information about Early Childhood programming and services, contact Chairs Hilary Pohn or Shannon Rothschild or professionals Allison Schwartz (618-5325, aschwartz@jewishlouisville.org) or Becky McKiernan (238-2748, bmckiernan@jewishlouisville.org).
For Children, contact Chair Karen Kohn or professional Julie Hollander (238-2708, jhollander@jewishlouisville.org). For Teens, contact Chair Glenn Levine, Vice Chair Terry Cohen, or professionals Justin Sadle (238-2778, jsadle@jewishlouisville.org) or David Siskin (238-2701, dsiskin@jewishlouisville.org). For YAD, conact professional Tzivia Levin (618-5308, tlevin@jewishlouisville.org). For Adult Outreach, contact Chair Salli Coleman or professional Kim Hales (238-2777, khales@jewishlouisville.org).
3. Volunteer.
There are plenty of opportunities to help. Each of the programming areas above needs strong committees to develop ideas and make things happen. You can contact the people listed above to learn about volunteer opportunities, too, or to make the commitment to help.
All of us can dream about what we would like to see in our community and make plans that define how we can achieve our goals, but unless the JCL Annual Campaign raises the dollars, we won’t be able to move forward.
Not sure you’re ready to volunteer for the Campaign? Don’t just say no. Come to the volunteer training for the 2011 JCL Annual Campaign on Thursday, November 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Jewish Family & Career Services, and find out what volunteering for the Campaign really means.
Bring along some friends to learn the art of storytelling and conquer your fear of the word “no” from Jane Stein, one of the best trainers in North America. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a dinner catered by Napa River Grill (or a Vaad-approved alternative, if you prefer), surprises, gifts and prizes. But best of all, you’ll come away with a real understanding of how dollars raised by the Campaign make a real difference in people’s lives and a new set of skills.
Don’t wait. Contact Mary Jean today (618-5309, mtimmel@jewishlouisville.org) to reserve your place. It’s a great way to do your part as together we strive to repair the world.
