Our Caring Community
Caring
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Mission
The mission of the Caring Committee is to provide support, care, and acts of loving-kindness (G’milut Chasadim) for our Temple congregants, in furtherance of Jewish values and traditions. TRS members who need assistance that does not fall into one of the categories below are encouraged to contact Ali Nadel.
Activities
The Caring Committee furthers its mission by coordinating, encouraging, and performing acts of loving-kindness for fellow congregants in times of need, such as those facing health and lifecycle challenges. The Committee identifies opportunities to provide care and kindness for fellow congregants and encourages and coordinates participation among the broader Temple community. We are dedicated to improving the well-being of our congregants by fostering a culture of caring, and bringing the “village concept” into the life of our congregation.
Among other things, the Caring Committee coordinates and encourages the following specific acts of loving-kindness (G’milut Chasadim) for our Temple congregants in times of need.
- Take Them A Meal – Congregants confronting health challenges or crises need healthy meals to sustain them through these tough times. Volunteers prepare and deliver or arrange for meals to be delivered to Congregants’ homes. Volunteers receive opportunities by email through Take Them A Meal, and can sign up for specific dates and recipients.
- Rodef Rides – Rodef Rides is a program that connects adults in our congregation who cannot transport themselves with volunteer drivers who are willing to give them a lift to Temple events or other places they need to go. This service makes our community more welcoming and inclusive, and allows congregants to more fully participate in our Temple community, especially for those who struggle to get to the Temple or may feel isolated and stuck at home. Rodef Rides partners with NV Rides to coordinate these rides. Volunteers will receive opportunities to give rides by email, and can accept the opportunities that suit them. Email RodefRides@templerodefshalom.org with any questions.
- Caring Deliveries – Brighten the day of a fellow congregant who really needs it, with a delivery of fresh flowers, challah for Shabbat, books from the Temple library, or a holiday gift. Volunteers will pick up items for delivery from the Temple and deliver them to congregants’ homes. Volunteers will receive opportunities to sign up by email, and are able to choose the opportunities that work best for their schedules.
- Friendly Visitor Program – Our friendly visitor program will connect volunteers with congregants at home who would benefit from an in-person or zoom visit. This program, primarily aimed at seniors, allows our volunteers to build deeper connections with congregants who may otherwise feel isolated or disconnected. Volunteers will participate in a training conducted by the Director of Caring prior to conducting home visits.
- Identify Other Community Needs – The Committee also works with the Director of Caring and others to further identify and support the needs of the Temple community.
Do you want to help?
We would love for you to be part of our Caring Community! Please use this form to indicate your areas of interest to be added to our list of willing volunteers.
Support Groups
Our Temple has a number of support groups to help those in our congregation. Please visit our Support Groups webpage for more information.
Community Resources
JSSA is Here to Help
Thanks to the continuing partnership between Temple Rodef Shalom and the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA), JSSA is available to provide support and referrals to congregants in need as a result of emotional, social, or physical challenges. JSSA supports individuals, couples, and families through mental health counseling, services for children and adolescents, older adult services, career programs and adoption assistance. Visit the JSSA website.
Elder Care/Jewish Council for the Aging
Currently the Elder Care subcommittee is working in conjunction with the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) to meet the needs of elderly temple members and/or families with elder care issues, whether local or out of the area. Services provided include a Senior Helpline that can be reached at (703) 425-0999 for information or assistance on housing options, financial aid, or transportation. TRS volunteers have also provided rides to services for elderly temple members and assistance in purchasing groceries and other tasks. Visit the JCA website.
Mental Health Resources and Information:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
Suicide.org – Suicide prevention, awareness, and support: www.suicide.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): www.nimh.nih.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): www.samhsa.gov
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): www.chadd.org
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation: www.bpkids.org
The Trevor Project (LGBT mental health/suicide prevention): www.trevorproject.org
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: www.adaa.org
National Eating Disorders Association: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.org
Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s Education
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: www.dbsalliance.org
National Autism Association: www.nationalautismassociation.org
Veterans Crisis Line (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs): 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Mental Health: www.mentalhealth.va.gov
Mental Health America: www.mentalhealthamerica.net