Sinai Synagogue: The Jewish Imperative to Welcome Strangers
Members of Sinai Synagogue in Leeds decided to use preparations for Sukkot to help those in need by donating food to a local project for homeless and vulnerable people.
Rather than donating fresh fruit and vegetables as decorations, it was decided to fulfill the mitzvah of building a sukkah whilst helping the needy at the same time. Donations were given to St. Annes Community Services who work with homeless people and those affected by mental health, learning disabilities and substance abuse in Yorkshire and the North East.
As Sinai member Pippa Brook explains, this is just part of the synagogue's ongoing engagement with the wider community and social action causes: "Sinai recognises the Jewish imperative to welcome strangers and demonstrated its commitment by inviting asylum seekers and refugees to a meal at the synagogue during Pesach and to our recent production of Fiddler on the Roof.
"We have been involved in the City of Sanctuary initiative and see Sukkot as an opportunity to build bridges with others. As we gather in our sukkah, let's look out to the wider world, not just in to our own community."
The next social action event in Sinai's calendar will be a Tzedakah Day on 13th November, a day of study for old and young looking at how we can make a real difference using our time and talents as well as our money.
Find out more about Sinai Synagogue
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
