SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMS
TIKKUN OLAM
The Jewish idea that each person in partnership with God is responsible for doing their share to make the world a better place. At Gates we have embraced this tenet of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. We reach out to those in need in our community and address many issues of social and economic injustice through our diverse projects locally, nationally, and in the world. Our mission is to help those at risk, the ignored, and neglected, the elderly and the very young who live in poverty and despair.
GET INVOLVED
By reaching out to people in need, we not only help to repair the world but also strengthen our Jewish identity and provide an important example of our values for our children. We can’t do it without our volunteers. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact the temple office at 518-374-8173.
MITZVAH DAY, for 2024-2025 see Mitzvah A Month, under Connect
Mitzvah Day is about the spirit of volunteerism and giving back that has come to be one of the hallmarks of Gates.
We were and will continue to be the light- in our community, to our neighbors, and to those who most need to see light in the darkness. Thank you to everyone who participated in making each year’s Mitzvah Day a success!
BACKPACK PROGRAM
When local kids go hungry, we have their backs!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Contact the temple office or email us for more information.
- Mitzvah Day
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REGIONAL FOOD BANK: Help to sort and pack food. Children welcome. For additional information on the Regional Food Bank www. Regional Food Bank.net
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PLEASANT VALLEY/KEANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: mentor reading or math; play chess with kids.
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SCHENECTADY DAY NURSERY: read to and play with kids.
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BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS: be a Big to a needy Little. Get together twice a month.
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DARFUR EFFORT: help organize educational awareness activities.
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GREEN TEAM: help on a project to make the Gates community environmentally friendly.
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HOLIDAY HELPERS: Deliver Thanksgiving food baskets to residents at B’nai B’rith House; Prepare a dish for the annual Thanksgiving and December holiday dinner at the Lighthouse homeless men’s shelter; Holiday home hospitality-Passover Seder, High Holy Days… for our local college students away from home.
TZEDAKAH COLLECTIONS
- Sycamore Collaborative Food Pantry
- Pleasant Valley Elementary School
- William C. Keane Elementary School
- Bethesda House
- YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter
- Welcome the Stranger Refugee Assistance
OTHER PROJECTS
- Food Assistance Programs
- Info Etc
- Interfaith Activity/Black-Jewish Relations
- Bethesda House
- Save Darfur
- Hamilton Hill Arts Center
- Universal Health Care
- Lighthouse Homeless Shelter holiday meals
AWARDS
Union of Reform Judaism’s Irving J. Fain Award for Excellence for our work with…
- 1995: Temple Community Service Corps
- 2001: Pleasant Valley Elementary School
- 2007: Schenectady Day Nursery
The Schenectady Day Nursery’s Special Friend of the Year Award in 2005
The Schenectady School Districts’ Golden Apple Award in 2004 for our mentor and tutoring program
