Welcome to Temple Rodef Shalom’s Caring Community, where compassion thrives and connections flourish. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that strengthens bonds within our congregation. Join us in embracing the values of kindness, empathy, and unity as we navigate life’s journey together with warmth and understanding.
For information on these programs or initiatives, please get in touch with us using our website contact form.
Temple Rodef Shalom is a caring community. Whether we deliver meals to a family dealing with chronic illness, call a friend to offer encouragement, or make sure an elderly friend gets to an appointment on time…we understand that we are responsible for one another.
Rodef Rides is a program that connects adults in our congregation who cannot transport themselves with volunteer drivers 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 participate more fully in our Temple community, especially 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. Email if you are in need.
Congregants confronting health challenges or crises need healthy meals to sustain them through these difficult times. If you need assistance, please contact us using our website contact form.
Our friendly call program will connect volunteers with congregants at home who would benefit from a weekly call. This program, primarily aimed at seniors, allows our volunteers to build deeper connections with congregants who may feel isolated or disconnected. To sign up, please get in touch with us using our website contact form.
“Next Steps” Group (for widows/widowers): This support/education/discussion group is for TRS widows and widowers beyond the initial stages of grief (i.e., post 6-12 months). Discussions focus on the practical, emotional, and social issues related to moving ahead as a single widowed person. “Next Steps” is not a drop-in group. Instead, we ask that you commit to attending four consecutive weekly sessions (with the possibility of 6 weeks). The group may continue to meet informally without the facilitator after the initial four weeks, generally for dinner, to share experiences, information, resources, and support and to be together. More cohorts will be announced in the future.
Breast Cancer Support Group: Use our contact form for more information.
Wise Aging Class:
This popular, innovative program, developed by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and led by TRS members, explores the opportunities and challenges we all face as we age. In the class, peer groups of 10-12 Temple members in their 60s and 70s are guided through a reflective process that helps them come to a deeper understanding of their lives and values in a welcoming Jewish context. The program covers topics critical to this time of our lives, including physical changes, relationships, forgiveness, spirituality, and loss. Issues are explored through various means, including text study, meditation, and peer interaction, at a deeper level than is possible in many other settings.
Given the small group setting and the importance of continuity to the experience, you must commit to attending at least five of the six sessions as part of the enrollment. Since each group is limited to 12 members, it is essential to register early, as each session will be in person.
Wise Aging enrollments will be announced on the calendar, in the TRS Weekly eletter, and in the Connection magazine, so keep an eye out.
The cost for enrollment is $18.00.
As we come together to support each other, we want to let you know about an urgent opportunity: living kidney donation. Some in our TRS community urgently require this life-altering gift. This extraordinary act can change lives, provide hope and enhance quality of life for those facing kidney failure. Please consider learning more. Your decision to become a donor could save a life within our community. Please click here to learn more or contact Stefanie Bloom, Director of Caring, at . Together, we can offer hope and make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to support those in need among us.
Additional programming can be found on our calendar by clicking here.
Resources:
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, April 11). Caregiver worksheets. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/caregiver-worksheets
The Caring Committee of Temple Rodef Shalom, under the direction of the Director of Caring, is a group of dedicated volunteers who provide non-urgent assistance to members who could benefit from home visitation, temporary meal delivery, or other short-term support.
The Caring Committee coordinates and encourages the following specific acts of loving kindness (G’milut Chasadim) for our Temple congregants in times of need. You can volunteer for any of the below by filling out the volunteer form.
Please use this volunteer form to indicate your areas of interest if you would like to be added to our list of volunteers.
Rodef Rides is a program that connects adults in our congregation who cannot transport themselves with volunteer drivers 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 participate more fully in our Temple community, especially 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 with any questions.
Congregants confronting health challenges or crises need healthy meals to sustain them through these difficult 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.
Brighten the day of a fellow congregant who 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 from the Temple for delivery and deliver them to congregants’ homes. Volunteers will receive opportunities to sign up by email and can choose the opportunities that work best for their schedules.
Our friendly call program will connect volunteers with congregants at home who would benefit from a weekly call. This program, primarily aimed at seniors, allows our volunteers to build deeper connections with congregants who may feel isolated or disconnected. Volunteers will participate in training conducted by the Director of Caring before making phone calls.
If you know of anyone who may benefit from the friend-to-friend call, please contact us using our website contact form.
