Tzedakah

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As situations in the world warrant, the Religious School periodically will undertake a special collection. Learn more through the links below about special collections we have generated: Hurricane Sandy Relief Japan Earthquake Relief Fire in Northern Israel Haiti Earthquake Relief.

he Religious School of Congregation Emanu-El has a long tradition of supporting the work of organizations working for social justice through weekly tzedakah donations made by its students. Formerly known as “The Brightside Fund,” this program was given its name at a time when the “uptown” Jewish community dedicated itself to helping the newcomers who were flooding the gates of Ellis Island in a desperate search for the “brighter side” of life. However, more important than the name is the expectation that students will learn the importance of righteous giving. We ask for students to bring a contribution towards a communal project with them each time they come to school.

Donation organizations are selected by our Religious School Student Council representatives. Following are our recipients for 2012-2013:

Yorkville Common Pantry
As in past years, our weekly collection begins with an organization that feeds the hungry in our area. YCP is New York City’s largest community-based food pantry. All contributions from the start of the school year through Thanksgiving benefit the pantry.


Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels raises funds to help end senior hunger. The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest national organization composed of and representing local, community-based senior nutrition programs in all 50 U.S. states, as well as the U.S. territories.


NATAL
NATAL seeks to provide treatment to victims of war and terror-related trauma and to strengthen the resiliency of Israeli society through treatment, prevention, public awareness and research. It trains professionals and at-risk populations in preventing and coping with trauma in accidents and emergencies. NATAL also serves as a training and research center for mental-health professionals and academics in the field of trauma.

Recipients from previous years include:

Magen David Adom

City Harvest

Soles4Souls

Alyn Pediatric and
Adolescent Rehabilitation Center

National Organization for Rare Disorders

Ronald McDonald House

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
Wounded Soldiers Program

PlayPumps International

Mount Sinai Hospital

HUC–JIR Community Soup Kitchen

Jewish National Fund

UJA-Federation of New York

Make-A-Wish Foundation

For more information about Religious School tzedakah efforts or to make a donation, contact the Department of Lifelong Learning.


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