Who We Are
Kehilla - Community Building
Kehilla is one of the core values of the Shalom Austin organization and an integral part of Judaism.
Rabbi Hillel says, "Do not separate from the community; do not trust yourself till the day you die..." In other words, we should not try to manage on our own. We share in the pain together; we share in the simchas (joy) together. That is what community is-a support system, by design. Community members are to reach out and make that sense of kehilla accessible to those for which it is limited.
The Community Connections program was developed by Shalom Austin to bring kehilla to those who are isolated physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. Shalom Austin offers opportunities for volunteers to:
- Connect our community members to each other.
- Connect our community members to their traditions.
- Connect our community members to the Shalom Austin community and support systems.
What We Do
Patio Pals is a friendly visiting program (that can be done virtually or by phone, too) that offers companionship to socially isolated community members-typically, Adult 60+ who live alone. Patio Pal volunteers are paired up with their Pals based on shared interests (and commute time). The volunteer and the community member (or the case manager of that individual) will determine the setting and the frequency of the visits.
Kabbalat Shabbat in Retirement Living Communities (in partnership with The Shuk) is a volunteer led program with an intergenerational focus. While a Shabbat program is provided, volunteers have the option of creating their own program that best fits their style. Kabbalat Shabbat takes place once a month and with the goal of making recurring visits at the same retirement living community. The Kabbalat Shabbat boxes are supplied (and replenished) by Shalom Austin JFS and The Shuk and contain candlesticks, candles, matches, grape juice, cups, and Shabbat program printouts.
If you are unable to participate but would like to make a donation toward the program, please contact Joan at joan.maniere@shalomaustin.org
Mah-jongg Mavens is an on-demand mobile mah-jongg program in which volunteers facilitate the game for a resident or group of residents at different retirement living communities. Volunteers have the option of sticking to one place of residence or rotating throughout the different locations.
Details
| (512) 735-8129 | |
| joan.maniere@shalomaustin.org | |
| Joan Eisenberg Maniere | |
| Volunteer Director | |
| https://shalomaustin.org/jfs/ |
