In this week’s Torah portion, Devarim, we are beginning the Book of Deuteronomy. Moses begins his final speech, recounting our journey and charging us to move forward, not to be afraid, and for each of us to take a part in the possession of our land. Just as Moses called for each of us to take a role in this week’s Torah portion, this request is important for us in our synagogue life and community. Each of us takes a role in the creation and sustenance of our KI community. We all have a part in making KI the place we want it to be, along with the greater Cheltenham and Montgomery County area.

Over the summer, with the heads of our active initiatives, we put together this link  Keneseth Israel Volunteer Opportunities on our website to click and join volunteer opportunities to become involved at KI.

There is a place for everyone, and every skill is needed at KI. Our current opportunities include:

Tutoring: Share your skills with students in the Cheltenham school district

Gardening: Tend to our Mitzvah Garden which provides food for our HaMotzi guests and for the food insecure in our area.

Driving Seniors: Connect with our KI Seniors who need assistance getting to Shabbat services and KI programs.

Welcoming at KI: Join our Shalom Team… Get to know our KI Community.

HaMotzi Helping: Cook, bake, pack meals + groceries, welcome, Serve, and cleanup for HaMotzi dinners and drive-thru distributions. This program supports the food insecure, as well as those seeking community in our area.

Cooking: Join our newly formed “Shabbos Chefs Society” which builds community and explores diverse Jewish cooking. Our cooks participate in cooking for those in our congregation who are not well.

Singing: If you love to sing and be a part of the choral experience, join our volunteer choir, Shir KI.

Advocating for Social Justice: Advocating for voting rights, addressing gun violence issues, and ending mass incarceration.

Work with Our Museum Treasures: Join our team and work with over 6,000 treasures of Jewish art and culture.

Assisting in our Library: Use your computer skills to explore and organize new and old books/publications for our large and active Library.

We take Moses’ teachings to heart by stepping up and getting involved. Your participation is crucial to the success and growth of our community and the greater community and world. Inspired by Moses words, I invite you to reflect on how you can actively contribute through volunteering. Your involvement is crucial, and every skill is needed to support our diverse range of volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for considering this call to action. Together, we can achieve great things.