ChaiLites October 2013 | Page 5

Social Action It begins with one person. Who does one good deed. That makes the difference. The wisdom of our fathers says, “If there is a needy person among you… do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your kinsman; rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for what he needs. Give to him readily and have no regrets.” Moses Maimonides, a physician like myself, lived in the 12th century and wrote extensively but is particularly well known for his Guide to the Perplexed in which he describes the 8 steps on the ladder of giving. The highest level of giving is the gift of self reliance, to hand someone a gift or a skill so that he will never have to beg again. Stated in other words commonly quoted, if you give someone a fish, they will eat for a day; but if you teach someone to fish, they will be able to provide for themselves. As we as a congregation participate in Hineini, we hope to provide for those who are in need of help, hopefully in sustainable projects. Many of our projects are in our community where there is a need for assistance. Some involve restoration of our environment, providing books and/or tutoring for students who need help. Whether you participate as an individual or as a family, each of you can make a difference in someone’s life. Please check the Hineini and social action web sites and Facebook pages for detailed information about our social action projects. Bring a fellow congregant and perhaps a neighbor to share your experience. Mark Rosenberg, Social Action Chair Adult Hebrew Wish you knew more? 5774 is your year to learn the language of our people. Adult Hebrew  Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. beginning September 24th. Level 1 is for those with no prior knowledge of Hebrew.  Level 2 (advance beginner) is a continuation for those that completed Level 1 or students who have basic reading knowledge and wish to improve their fluency.  Adults may participate in this class with the intent of becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah or simply for the purpose of further study.  Knowledge of Hebrew is the undeniable key to Jewish cultural and social literacy.  For additional information and to register, contact Debbie Robins at [email protected]. Northwest Suburban Jewish Seniors Our group meets once a month on a SUNDAY evening at Temple Chai. Come join us; we would love to see new faces. We offer a wonderful evening of socializing, great entertainment and refreshments. For more information, please contact our President, David Shapiro 847-419-1621. PFLAG -- Deerfield Chapter (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim 1201 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, IL 60015 Phone: 630-415-0622 • Office: 630-297-3658 Email: [email protected] Meets second Thursday of each month from 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. 10% CORNER When Dining Out… Enjoy a delicious meal at the Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove, and Temple Chai will receive 10% of the cost of your meal as a donation! Just sign the “Temple Chai Book” at the cash register when paying your bill, and please be sure to thank owner Pete, and the rest of the staff, for their ongoing support of Temple Chai. Tired of Shoveling Snow? For prices starting at just $30/plow, or $300 for the entire season, our friend Jason at All American Commercial Services will remove the snow from your driveway, and will donate 10% of whatever you spend back to Temple Chai. Please contact Jason at 224-6369600 or at jasonmay@allamericancommercialservices. com for all the details, and be sure to thank him for his support of Temple Chai. NOTE: These businesses are not affiliated with Temple Chai. 5