by Susan Wegner, Chair of Serve with Sinai
There’s a longstanding debate in philanthropic circles about the relative merits and effectiveness of efforts focused on direct service vs. policy and systemic change. At the Davis Center, we do not believe it is “either/or”; we choose to engage in work that addresses immediate human needs and organizing and advocating for long-term solutions to social problems.
Our new Serve with Sinai effort will offer regular community service opportunities that allow us to put our values into practice in a sustained, meaningful way while we continue our longstanding initiatives to address concerns about racial justice, reproductive health care, immigration, economic inequality, voting rights, environmental protection, and gun violence prevention. Our projects will reflect the breadth of Temple Sinai’s vision of justice and compassion.
Why Does It Matter?
Serve with Sinai matters because it unites two goals at the heart of our congregation: repairing the world and strengthening our community.
When we serve with partners who provide food, housing, legal advocacy, and protection of human rights, we extend Temple Sinai’s values beyond our walls into the wider world. Our efforts may take the form of assembling hygiene kits, working at food pantries, providing direct aid, or raising funds—but in every case, we will be helping organizations whose missions align with our Jewish values of justice and compassion.
At the same time, Serve with Sinai strengthens the bonds within our own congregation. These projects give us the chance to work side by side, across generations and backgrounds, with fellow congregants who share our commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to Temple Sinai, you’ll find that service creates powerful connections—with neighbors in need, with our partners, and with one another.
How Will It Work?
Serve with Sinai is designed to be accessible, engaging, and ongoing. Some of our projects will be on-site at Temple Sinai and some will be held at our community partners. Some examples include:
An Opportunity: How You Can Help
Serve with Sinai is more than a volunteer program—it is an invitation to deepen your Jewish practice, strengthen our community, and bring hope to those who need it most. By joining even one project, you will not only support worthy organizations but also meet fellow congregants who share your passion for justice, kindness, and action. We are a large community whose members have different interests and needs. We hope that you will be moved to participate at the time of day and the week that works for you, with age appropriate activities that address the issues closest to your heart.
We have created a new Google group to keep interested members informed about our upcoming projects. To be added to the Serve with Sinai Google Group, please email Jenny Cohen. Watch for announcements with details of each opportunity, and come be part of the effort to repair the world—together.