Ongoing throughout September 2011

Our sages teach: Every person must prepare themselves during the Hebrew month of Elul with gemilut hasadim – acts of lovingkindness. This Elul, as we look toward Rosh Hashanah, the Tikkun Olam committee has organized a series of “Mitzvot in Elul.” There are opportunities to feed the hungry, bring joy to the lonely, honor the elderly, and give dignity to those in need. There are activities for all ages, on weekdays and on Sundays. The High Holidays are approaching; Let your preparation for tomorrow begin with mitzvot today.

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Cemetery Visit and Ride Matching Program

Ongoing throughout September
Many people like to visit the graves of loved ones before the High Holidays, but it is difficult without a car. If you are planning a cemetery visit, perform an important mitzvah by offering a ride to fellow congregants who need transportation. If you need a ride, let us know, and we’ll try to find you one. If you will be driving to a cemetery or if you would like a ride to a cemetery during September, contact Rabbi Steven Rein at srein@pasyn.org or 212.369.2600, x124.

Sponsored by UJA@PAS

School Supplies for Success

Thursday - Thursday | September 8 - 15
All congregants are invited to join in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York in the 9th annual "Supplies for Success" project. We will collect markers, pocket folders and construction paper for children in families serviced by the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), a UJA-Federation beneficiary agency. JBFCS serves more than 55,000 New Yorkers annually through a diverse network of 175 community-based social service and mental health programs, residential facilities, and day treatment centers. Together we can ensure that these children will have the school supplies they need and that families will not have to choose between buying cereal and milk and buying pens and paper. Please put donated school supplies in the box marked “Supplies for Success" in the synagogue lobby.

Sponsored by Mitzvah of the Month

The JCC in Manhattan 9/11 Day of Service

Sunday | September 11 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Appropriate for the whole family
Join the PAS team at the JCC to support charitable causes, perform good deeds and engage in other service activities in observance of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The JCC is located at 334 Amsterdam Avenue (between 75th and 76th). Open to all. RSVP to Leith Greenslade at leithgreenslade@earthlink.net.

Sponsored by the Singles Committee

DOROT’s 9/11 Day of Service and Rosh Hashanah Package Delivery

Sunday | September 11 | 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Deliver a holiday package and visit a DOROT client. Open to all. RSVP to Lisa Siegal at lsiegal1@nyc.rr.com.

Sponsored by the Young Couples Group

Serving Breakfast at Yorkville Common Pantry

Monday | September 12 | 7:30 - 9:30 am
Meet at 8 East 109th Street to serve breakfast to clients of the Yorkville Common Pantry. Open to all adults. RSVP to Lite Sabin at sabinmail@aol.com or 212-628-2863.

Sponsored by the Men’s Club

Project Ezra Tour

Sunday | September 18 | 10:00 am
We'll meet at Project Ezra for a discussion of their relief work and then have a free walking tour of the Lower East Side, culminating in a group lunch. Limited to 20 participants. Cost is to be determined (bring cash for lunch). RSVP to Julius Paige at jpaige5@verizon.net.

Sponsored by the Congregational School

Zayin Visit to Jewish Home Life Care

Wednesday | September 21 | 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Students from our Zayin (7th grade) class will help residents prepare for the start of a new Jewish year. Students will entertain with singing, blow the shofar, and share a seasonal treat of apples and honey, along with traditional wishes for a good and sweet new year.

Sponsored by the Sisterhood and WEG

Grocery Packaging at Yorkville Common Pantry

Thursday | September 22 | 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Pack groceries at Yorkville Common Pantry located at 8 East 109th Street. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Open to all. RSVP to Lite Sabin at sabinmail@aol.com or 212-628-2863.

Sponsored by the Department of Youth Programming

High Holiday Food Drive

Thursday – Saturday |September 29 – October 8 | Open to volunteers in Grades 7 - 12
Begin the new Jewish year by extending good will to our surrounding community. From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, PAS students will collect non-perishable food items which we will donate to the Yorkville Common Pantry over Sukkot. If you’re a student, come lend a hand during High Holiday services. If you’re not a student, please help by taking a donation bag at Rosh Hashanah, filling it with food and bringing it back to PAS on Yom Kippur. Look for us in the big U-Haul truck parked on 87th Street!