Global Mitzvah Project”How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment to start to improve the world.” —Anne Frank
The Global Mitzvah Project (GMP) plans and conducts fund-raising, educational and global advocacy activities to inspire active involvement of Temple Emanuel youth and adults in tikkun olam. In partnership with reputable international organizations like Innovation:Africa, Engineers Without Borders, Tevel b’Tzedek, Amigos de Santa Cruz, and Free the Slaves, the GMP has pinpointed critical areas of need in many countries (e.g., Guatemala, Kenya, El Salvador, Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Cambodia). Funds have been raised to improve health, education, safety, food security, and self-determination for women and children in these countries. The project has demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice while involving a majority of the congregation in multi-faceted, community wide activities.
To date, 30 different projects have been supported in 18 countries. The total amount of funds donated to these projects has exceeded $50,000 thanks to the generosity of our congregation and friends. GMP celebrated its 13th Year in 2021, and has completed two milestone products: (1) booklet featuring 10 of the GMT’s successful projects; (2) team video describing the work of the GMP. To review significant project activities and accomplishments visit their website.
Congregants are invited to join the Global Mitzvah Team and attend our meetings. Please contact co-chairs, Stan Fagen or Caroline Smith DeWaal for more information.
Kiva.org is a site for disadvantaged people all over the world seeking small loans to start their own businesses. Join the Global Mitzvah Project Lending Team by making a donation for as little as $25, and help a borrower of your choice to improve the life and well being of their family.
Cooking for SOME at Christmas
Thanks to all who volunteer to cook and/or serve at SOME for Christmas Day! The people at SOME are great to work with and very appreciative of our help. Thanks so much for your continued support of this worthwhile Christmas Day project.
Provide-a-Meal Program
Throughout the year, we also participate in the SOME Provide-a-Meal program, which feeds homeless and poor people in the Greater Washington, DC area.
Four times per year we prepare 38 Shepherd’s pies to delivery to SOME. Each casserole feeds 10-12 people – that’s between 380-456 men, women & children!
Click here for the recipe to make Shepherd’s Pie for SOME.
NOTE: Making lunches for homeless people through Temple Emanuel is an accepted volunteer activity which qualifies for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours – get your children to help you and they’ll benefit too!
For more details, or to volunteer, please contact Val Fagen.
