In the Community

Find your roots! The Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest will hold a walking tour of North Side synagogues and neighborhood, this Sunday, July 25, 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Meet at Mikro Kodesh Synagogue, 1000 Oliver Avenue North. Visit a neighborhood with three synagogue buildings, the Emmanuel Cohen Community Center, and the Jewish Shelter Home for Children. Learn about the architectural history of these buildings and the communities that have gathered here. Guides are Bob Roscoe and Iric Nathanson. The free tour takes place rain or shine, so bring your umbrella. No reservations necessary.

The Jewish Singles Collaborative will be celebrating Tu B'Av, the Jewish Holiday of Love, on Monday, July 26. Part of the event involves making a voluntary donation to a domestic abuse advocacy program. Please save your unwanted cell phones and used printer ink cartridges and bring them to the Tu B'Av celebration. The domestic abuse advocacy program makes money from recycling these items.

There will be a living room conversation about J Street's Pro Israel / Pro Peace approach to the Israeli Palestinian conflict on Wednesday, July 28, 7:00 pm, at the home of Raleigh Kent, 2705 Raleigh Ave, S. This gathering is intended for both those drawn to J St.'s approach and those with questions or concerns, wishing to explore the issues. RSVP to Raleigh at raleigh.kent@yahoo.com, or Rabbi Amy Eilberg, Chair of J St. MN, at rebamy@eilberg.com.

Bella Smith is compiling a Community Gemach Directory in memory of her mother. Gemach literally means "loving kindness", but has come to mean a "free loan society" of money or things that people occasionally need. You can make a gemach with almost any type of item that people need (e.g., car seats, tablecloths, wedding gowns, medical equipment). If you would like to start a gemach and be included in the directory, please let Bella know, 952-927-9670 or morahbsmith@aol.com. Flyers with more information are on the shul bulletin board.

Torah Academy Gift Shop is having a summer clearance sale on in-stock items until July 31. 25% off all regular price books, CDs, DVDs, and tapes; 20% off wine plus in-store specials; 10% off Mezuzos; 10% off already reduced clearance merchandise. Store hours are 8:00 - 10:30 pm Thursdays, and 11:00 am-1:30 pm Sundays.

When people don't know where to turn for help, they call Jewish Family & Children's Service. The Information and Resource Connection (IRC) staff has a thorough knowledge of resources in the Jewish and general communities. They assist people with the initial steps toward seeing a counselor or other helping professional, and often manage much of the emergency financial assistance available through JFCS. Clients are assessed and directed to the appropriate services, e.g. counseling, L'Chaim Senior Services, Crisis Intervention, etc. The need for both services and financial assistance has increased substantially. IRC received approximately 3,600 calls in 2007 and 4,300 calls in 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, calls were up 150% over past quarters. Callers include not only those in chronic poverty or crisis, but also more people "like you and me" who are now struggling.

If you work in the northern suburbs, you are invited to join a local lunch-and-learn group. Enjoy lunch, and take advantage of an opportunity to feed your body as well as your mind. Participate in discussions on various Jewish topics, led by Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg, and become part of a Jewish Business Club with a group of young professionals. The group meets Thursdays, 12:00 - 1:00 pm at Medtronic in Fridley. RSVP in advance to clear site security. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Roberto Silberwasser at 763-213-9771, or Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg at 952-929-9922.

Darchei noam

A modern Orthodox congregation in St. Louis Park

In the Community