GIVE TIME
Why Giving Your Time Matters
Social Action is at the core of Barnert Temple. It’s central to the life of our congregation. Making a positive impact on people’s lives doesn’t require lots of time or money. All it takes is a willingness to step outside yourself.
To act. Do one thing. Take one step. See the change that results.
It’s amazing how much can be accomplished by spending just a few minutes, or an hour or two, focused on making change. Don’t have a lot of time? That’s okay. All the initiatives we’re involved with can use your help, without requiring significant time. Here are some of them.
ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Packing, Organizing and Helping Where Needed
Barnert Contact: Jodi Fader
CUMAC, located in Paterson, NJ, feeds people and changes lives. It works to alleviate hunger and its root causes for those in need in Paterson, Passaic County, and northern New Jersey. CUMAC has been fighting hunger for over 30 years. With the help of its supporters and community partners, CUMAC operates an impressive array of programs that serve as a social safety net within the community of Paterson and beyond.
Join Barnert's Social Action Squad and volunteer with us! We have fun while packing groceries, organizing items at the Thrift Shop and helping out where needed. There's no long-term commitment. Just let us know if you are coming by contacting our CUMAC chair.
Check the Barnert calendar or scroll down for upcoming dates.
Connecting with the Earth for the Greater Good
Barnert Contact: Seth Haubenstock
Come work in the Barnert Garden and help with Barnert’s weekly Friday Farmer’s Market. Our gardening and growing efforts help raise money and awareness the Center for Food Action in Mahwah.
The type of work we do in the garden varies by season. All ages are welcome to help. Tending to the garden is a family affair at Barnert!
Check the Barnert calendar or scroll down for upcoming dates.
Lending a Hand to Those in Need
Barnert Contacts: Patti Bieth, Debbie Birrer & Aviva Sanders
When Barnert Temple members experience loss, adversity, or just need a helping hand, we are here to help by cooking food, sending cards/flowers, and driving members to and from services, Temple events, and doctor appointments.
If you would like to help others in our Barnert community, and join our Caring Community committee, contact one of the co-chairs listed above.
No Experience Needed - Just a Desire to Do Good
Barnert Contact: Rich Edelman
Help with some light carpentry to build energy-efficient, affordable homes for qualified low-income first-time home buyers in Paterson, NJ. We meet at the Paterson Habitat office between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. The workday ends around 3 p.m. (you can leave earlier if needed). There is a morning coffee and lunch break.
Construction volunteers must be 16 years old to participate. (16 and 17 year old volunteers must be accompanied by an adult and have a parent/guardian sign a printed copy of our volunteer waiver.)
Check the Barnert calendar or scroll down for upcoming dates.
To sign up for a build, click here to register online.
Questions? Contact our Rich Edelman.
Preparing, Delivering and Serving Meals
Barnert Contact: Judy Halle
Every month, we cook and bring hot meals to the St. Paul's Men's Shelter in Paterson, NJ. The men look forward to our meal. In fact, they tell us it's one of the few evenings they receive a robust meal with meat! Volunteers step up to:
- make meatloaves (at home or with a group in the Barnert kitchen);
- provide salad, dressing, starch, and dessert;
- heat the food at Barnert; and
- drive the food over to the Shelter and serve the food.
Check the Barnert calendar or scroll down for upcoming dates.
If you would like to be on our monthly email list about opportunities to support this effort, email Judy Halle.
Organizing and Packing Toiletries
Barnert Contact: Amy Lynn
Throughout the year, Barnert Temple collects sample-size toiletries and cosmetic bags for the Center for Hope and Safety (formerly Shelter Our Sisters). Center for Hope and Safety is dedicated to assisting victims, and their children, of domestic violence by turning fear into safety, helplessness into strength, and isolation into hope. As many of these women are escaping abusive situations and often leave in haste, toiletries are an essential item as they try to rebuild their lives.
Please donate sample-size toiletries (unopened, of course) that you have collected, or picked up in hotels. You can also join us for our packing event when we organize and pack the toiletries into cosmetic bags to be delivered to the shelter.
Check the Barnert calendar or scroll down for upcoming dates.
For more information, contact our chair, Amy Lynn.
Upcoming Opportunities to Give Time
