Social Action Committee supports local, international projects
By Mary van den Berg Contributing Writer

(l to r) Rabbi Larry Milder and Jeff Govendo convey a message from B'Nai Shalom's Social Action Committee. PHOTO/MARY VAN DEN BERG

Westborough - After Hurricane Katrina, Rabbi Larry Milder of Congregation B'Nai Shalom in Westborough called a group of congregants together and asked if they wanted to help with relief eff orts. It was a natural response for him.

"My career as a rabbi has always been toward social action," Milder said.

The group organized a bedding drive for emergency shelters and sold blankets, pillows and sheets over two Sundays. With the help from other synagogues, they filled an 18-wheel truck bound for Mississippi.

"That group was the core of the Social Action Committee (SAC)," committee Chair Jeff Govendo said. "We've been meeting once a month ever since."

According to Govendo, the 14-member committee reviews and responds to requests for help made by groups outside the committee.

The committee involves itself in national, international and local humanitarian and social justice projects and "everything in between," Govendo said.

"We try to have a range of activities that addresses people's passion and interests," Govendo explained.

"[It's] just part of who we are in the synagogue," Govendo added. "It's in our mission statement - to create opportunities for our membership to engage in the spiritual 'Tikkun olam' (heal the world)."

Committee member Richard Seder explained the mission another way.

"To paraphrase the Jewish sage, 'If we are for ourselves, what are we?'" he said.

"Some are interested in local issues, like food pantries," Govendo said. "We're involved in a community meals program in Northborough."

The SAC also participates in a Worcester-area fund drive to buy a fire truck for the city of Afula in Africa, Worcester's sister city.

In addition, the SAC initiated a solar rice cooker sale in response to the crisis in the Sudan, wrote to legislatures concerning marriage equality issues and raised funds for one of its congregants in need of an expensive transplant.

"We think there's a place for the synagogue in all of those," Govendo said.

Congregation B'nai Shalom also hosts two blood drives with the American Red Cross. Speakers and scholars in residence educate the congregation about social justice and social action, from Jewish hunger relief to what's happening in Darfur.

On Friday Feb. 8, the SAC will host speaker Sifa Nsengimana, co-chair of the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur and executive director of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. On Sunday Feb. 10, there will be a screening and discussion of "The Devil Came On Horseback," a firsthand account of the tragedy in Darfur as seen through the eyes of former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidl.

"It's a very powerful movie," Govendo said.

According to Govendo, the movie is appropriate for individuals 14 and older. The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. at the synagogue. Admission is free, with free-will donations taken at the door.

"I'm very interested in affiliating with my counterparts in other religious organizations," Govendo said.

" "I would love for the interfaith community to become a voice, more active. We're doing lots of things. We're an active bunch. To get people aware is the main thing."

For more information, contact Congregation B'nai Shalom 508-366-7191.