Here's your chance to act! Emanuel's Social Action Committee has undertaken a long-term relationship with the Inspiration Cafe at Wilson and Broadway in Uptown. Inspiration Café is an organization dedicated to serving homeless people with dignity and respect. Every third Thursday of the month, volunteers from Emanuel purchase prepare, and serve food to about 35 people at the Inspiration Cafe. The time involved in preparation and serving is from 4-7:00 p.m., although food can also be cooked in advance. Each Thursday requires 5-7 adults and children over 13, so several families or individuals can join in this worthwhile and rewarding activity. Sign up today by leaving a message for the Social Action Committee Chair at the Emanuel office at 773-561-5173.

Emanuel's Social Action/Social Justice Committee is seeking volunteers to pick up and deliver baked goods from the Dominick's at 6009 N. Broadway and deliver to seven north side shelters/agencies in need. This is a weekly effort to help feed the needy that takes place every Saturday and Sunday morning. To volunteer, and for more information, leave a message for the coordinator of this program in the Emanuel office. If you are an early bird, this project is for you! If you start by 7:30 a.m., you will be finished by 9:00 a.m.

Emanuel's Social Justice Committee needs your help. The Chicago Action Committee for Jews in the former Soviet Union, in association with the Jewish United Fund, is matching interested area congregations with emerging Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union. Rabbi Zedek and Emanuel's SJC are asking interested congregants to join in organizing activities to send supplies to a budding Jewish community in Vasilkov. This small but emerging community has severe spiritual, emotional, and physical needs that we hope to help address. We will plan a series of activities for Emanuel to raise awareness, support, collect supplies, and generally assist the people of Vasilkov. This impoverished Jewish community in eastern Europe is in need of everything from clothing, vitamins and food, to Jewish books, mezuzot, menorahs and more. To get involved, contact SJC Co-chairs Judy Glaser (glasers4@sbcglobal.net) or Stephen Melamed (smelamed@tresdesign.com) to volunteer.