The mission of Congregation B’nai Torah’s Caring Community Committee is to make all members and families feel connected to and cared for as part of the entire temple community. The committee works closely with the rabbi and other temple staff members to ensure that all congregants’ needs are met in a timely and respectful manner.

The Caring Community Committee provides help to members and families in three ways:

1. By acknowledging and celebrating joyous occasions, such as births; 
2. By delivering support services during times of illness;
3. By offering comfort and assistance to congregants who are experiencing the death of a loved one throughout the mourning period.

Caring Community Committee support includes the following services:

• Ongoing communication with members and families during times of need;
• Rides for sick individuals or family members to and from medical appointments, temple services, and school activities, or for other important tasks;
• Meals for congregants who are ill and their families;
• Friendly visits to hospitalized or homebound congregants;
• TLC (“Temple Loving Care”) bags filled with comforting items, such as books, copies of prayers, CDs, coffee mugs, and food;
• Hand-knitted healing shawls made by fellow temple members;
• Referrals to programs and services offered by the larger Jewish community .

To learn more about the Caring Community Committee, to alert the committee about any needs, or to volunteer, please contact Laurie Nee at 978-443-4357, or Nancy Donchin at 508-877-5630 or email them directly to caring@bnaitorah.com

When making a donation to the temple, please consider donating to the Caring Community Committee Fund. All donations are used to defray the cost of supplies for TLC bags and other expenses associated with the delivery of support services.

For a copy of the B’nai Torah Mourner’s Guide, please click on the following: Mourners_Guide_1.pdf

For information about the JC&FS “Welcome Baby” program, please click on the following link: http://www.jccgb.org/metrowest

In a perfect world, no child, no elderly person, no one in a committed relationship would live in fear of being abused or hurt by someone close. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. Even in communities like ours, with above average household incomes and high levels of educational attainment, a bully may target someone in person or via electronic media. Some of our teens may be involved in unhealthy dating relationships. An elderly neighbor may be the victim of family or caretaker neglect. A friend may be enduring unreasonable social isolation, economic control, psychological or emotional abuse, threats of bodily injury or actual physical violence by a spouse or partner. All too often, we keep silent until the unimaginable happens. Maybe we are not certain something is really wrong, or we do not want to interfere, or we worry that no one will believe us. If you know someone in an abusive situation, help is available. Information about resources in our area can be found at: www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. Also know that Rabbi Heilman will discuss in strict confidence with you any concerns that you may have about situations involving abusive behaviors.