MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
A large and lively committee, we express our Jewish identity through tikkun olam, actions to heal the world. Our passion for social justice leads us to be social activists. From clothes-sorting pizza parties to film-screening sessions, SAC members have a strong camaraderie. We welcome interested CST members to attend a SAC meeting or join the committee!
SAC meets the first Monday of the month from 7-8:30 pm. For more information, contact SAC Chair, Madeleine Rose at mrose@sonic.net
SAC Film Committee at Feb. 9 screening of Crime After Crime, a documentary about two lawyers striving for justice for an African American woman wrongfully in prison for decades. A film by Yoav Potash about domestic violence and criminal justice. The film’s director and Joshua Safran, one of the attorneys, is standing with us, as well as panelists Madeleine O’Connell from the YWCA and Gloria Eurotas from the Family Justice Center.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Speak Out About Sensible Gun Control
In response to the December 14th school massacre in Connecticut, some congregants may want to send a message to Congress regarding sensible gun control laws. The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism has made it easy to send an email message:
http://action.rac.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=12360.
To contact President Obama, you can submit comments online: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact or phone 202-456-1111.
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is circulating a petition about gun control:
http://engage.jewishpublicaffairs.org/c/627/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=12362.
ONGOING AND ANNUAL SAC PROJECTS:
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Elisha’s Pantry: In partnership with Christ Church United Methodist Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, distribute food to residents in need in Rincon Valley and Bennett Valley. Every week 70 bags of food are handed out to feed approximately 200 men, women and children, roughly 10,000 people each year. The pantry is open on Thursday afternoons at 1717 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa. To volunteer, contact Stephen Harper, kelev2@comcast.net
Giffen House: Preparation of dinner meal for women and children living in transitional housing (most were formerly homeless). Once a month on Tuesdays. To volunteer, contact Flo Hoffenberg, coolmama@sonic.net
Winter Warm Clothing Drive: 
Warm clothing and blankets are donated by CST members and friends in the community. SAC distributes these at Elisha’s Pantry November-December. To volunteer, contact Ann Sterin, annandpaolo@ att.net
Annual Posada Toy Drive: Annual toy drive that results in hundreds of toys collected and handed out in December at Sheppard Elementary School in Roseland at a big community event. SAC members work with the Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County (CIRSC) to give away the toys. To volunteer, contact Ann Sterin, annandpaolo@ att.net
Yom Hashoah: Every spring SAC hosts an observance of the Holocaust Day of Remembrance and invites the public to attend. A candle lighting ceremony remembers the six million Jews and others (Gypsy/Roma, LGBT, Righteous Gentiles, political prisoners, the disabled) who were killed by the Nazi regime. SAC also remembers victims of genocides in America, Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur, with candle lighters and speakers. The 2013 event is scheduled for Sunday, April 7 at 10:30 AM.
Walk to End Genocide: 
This annual community event is spearheaded by a CST teen, Gabe Ferrick. The Walk raises money for an international charity, Jewish World Watch, fighting to end genocide around the world. Last year, over 300 people participated in the Walk, including CST members, SSU students and faculty, and local politicians. The next walk will be in April 2013.
Rabbi Michael Robinson Memorial Lecture: This annual lecture honors CST’s founding rabbi, Michael Robinson. In honor of his inspirational social activism, we present speakers who share Rabbi Michael’s passion for human rights and social justice. This year’s lecture will be on August 9.
Social Action Goes to the Movies: Last year, we debuted a very successful film and discussion series on social justice. This year we have selected another three compelling films, which will be followed by panel discussions with activists on the front lines. See Upcoming Events.
Immigrant Rights: Several SAC members are active in the Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County (CIRSC) and are involved with the North Bay Organizing Project. We have worked with these groups to find ways to reduce deportations, which tear apart families and the community. SAC was an early supporter of the Trust Act, legislation that would limit detentions and deportations to immigrants who have committed serious felonies. On September 6, 2012, SAC participated in a prayer vigil at the Sonoma County jail, in support of the Trust Act.
Muslim Jewish Dialogue Group:
In 2009 SAC formed an alliance with a group of North Bay Muslims led by Imam Ali Siddiqui, to learn more about each other’s religions and cultures. We meet in people’s homes and talk about our backgrounds, practices and beliefs. Occasionally, knowledgeable guest speakers present information about relevant topics. Last April, we held our first MJDG seder at CST. SAC has written two articles in the Press Democrat about the group. See:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100828/ARTICLES/100829464
and
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20111206/OPINION/111209670
RECENT SAC SPECIAL EVENTS:
Not in Our Town: On September 9, 2012, we held an interfaith gathering in solidarity with the Sikh Community of Sonoma County. This event, in response to a murderous attack on the Sikh community in Wisconsin (August 5, 2012), drew over 200 people to CST to learn about Sikhism, share prayers, music, and messages of peace and tolerance.
Criminal Justice Forum: On October 14, 2012, we organized a well-attended public forum about the California criminal justice system. Moderated by Jill Ravitch, District Attorney of Sonoma County, the speakers addressed two controversial ballot measures regarding an end to the death penalty and limits on the Three Strikes Law.
SOCIAL ACTION RESOURCES
The Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism (RAC) http://rac.org is a valuable resource with up to date analyses of key social justice topics through a Jewish lens. The RAC also has action guides for urgent social issues.