Ruth Messinger, 12-year member of the New York City Council (the lawmaking body of the City of New York), former Manhattan Borough President, and currently president of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), will be the guest speaker at Temple Beth-El during its joint Shabbat service with Temple Israel on Friday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m.

The AJWS is an international development organization, dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

Speaking from her own experiences in the developing world, Ms. Messinger will discuss the role of "Jews as Global Citizens." She will propose how American Jews, who enjoy greater affluence and influence than ever before, can do their part to alleviate poverty, hunger, violence, disease, and oppression. She will tell of the enormous transformative impact volunteering and advocacy can make in the modern era.

It is important to note that Ms. Messinger and AJWS have been leaders in calling for action to stop the genocide in Darfur. Since April 2004, American Jewish World Service has been providing humanitarian aid to many of the displaced and traumatized people who have been violently forced from their homes and are now living in camps in Sudan and Chad.

Recognizing that humanitarian aid is crucial but will not stop the genocide, AJWS is engaged in a simultaneous education and advocacy campaign to put pressure on United States and world leaders to end the crisis.

By embracing the obligation to assist all people in need, regardless of race, religion or nationality, Jews, as citizens of the world, have the capacity to ensure social justice for coming generations, contributing to "tikkun olam," repairing the world.

The community is warmly invited to join Temple Beth-El and Temple Israel congregants and friends for what will surely be a stimulating Shabbat service. Temple Beth-El of Great Neck is located at 5 Old Mill Road at the corner of Middle Neck. Ample parking is available. For more information, please call Rabbi Crystal at 487-0900, ext. 116.