Giving and Receiving

The Shaarie Torah Chesed Group

Have you received a birthday call from a fellow-member of Shaarie Torah? Have you found a hand-written card in your mailbox when you were recovering from an illness or surgery or mourning the loss of a loved one? Or have you been the recipient of a home-cooked, kosher meal after the birth of your baby, or during a difficult time? Have you gotten a ride to shul when you needed help getting to services or an event at shul?

These are all projects of our Shaarie Torah chesed group, a collection of about 20 community members who collaborate to reach out to other members in times of joy and times of difficulty. All of us have learned the value of reaching out in these ways. Not only does it help to strengthen the bonds of caring and friendship in our shul, creating connections from person to person, it can also be meaningful and uplifting for both the giver and the receiver. Reaching out in a caring way to someone else really feels good! Having someone reach out to you in a caring way feels good too! The goodness flows in both directions.

We’re always looking for more people to get involved. If you’d like to make some birthday calls, prepare or deliver a meal, write a card, or offer another member a ride to shul, please join us!

Every month, on behalf of the synagogue, the Chesed (Loving Kindness) Committee cooks and delivers meals to congregants in need. It sends out Refuah Shlema and Condolence cards, and makes birthday calls to fellow congregants.

Questions? Contact Annette Demsey by email at annettedemsey.mac@mac.com by phone 503-313-0793. You can also speak with one of our other chesed group leaders: Leslie Beard, Shari Levinson, and Erik Richmond.

The Chesed Committee is always looking for more volunteers!

To Volunteer, contact our office or email: annettedemsey.mac@mac.com