Submission #22077 by Temple Israel Men'S Club - Charlotte, NC (1709)

I have read the 2021 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.
Club Name
Temple Israel Men'S Club - Charlotte, NC (1709)
Men's Club Shabbat Gift Bags
Club Representative
Person completing form
Michael
Eisner
Club President at time of convention if known at this time
Michael
Eisner
Club President Now
Michael
Eisner
Men's Club Shabbat

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Due to our synagogue’s response to Covid, we are currently having very limited in-person attendance at services, and no kiddush. For Men’s Club Shabbat we wanted to use the financial savings in a meaningful way. We created, packed, and delivered Shabbat gift bags to more than 110 homes.
Having budgeted money for MCS Kiddush that wouldn’t take place, we decided to bring Shabbat to our members. We got tote bags donated, we curated a collection including a page of Shabbat blessings, Shabbat candles, matches, grape juice, two challah rolls, a pie, as well as a havdallah candle and custom-made spice bag that we put together. Because our scheduled MCS was the day after Yom HaShoah, we also included a yellow FJMC Holocaust Memorial candle, blessing, meditation, and informational letter. Other MC information including promotions for upcoming programs was included in the kits. We also asked that recipients “pay it forward” by filling the bag with food for our Jewish Family Services Food Pantry and bringing it to them after Shabbat. We had members and volunteers pack the bags at the temple, and 14 drivers delivered the kits to our members homes before the start of Yom HaShoah.
Attachments
Self Assessment
The impact was incredible! We had fun, we involved people who don’t usually get involved with MC activities, and recipients were very positive in their response. Members were engaged, and many conversations were held between delivery driver and recipient.
We had nearly 20 members involved with curating, ordering for, packing, and delivering these gift bags. There were many conversations between delivery driver, and recipient, and to organize this at a time when the main Temple Israel organization is still fighting with how to reopen and reconnect with congregants, we showed them the way. This was Leadership-Innovation-Community at its best.
These bags cost us around $10 each. We could have easily found sponsors if needed. This may become a regular part of Men's Club Shabbats in the future, even once we are back together at services and kiddush.

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Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes
Silver