We pray about the problems of poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. What we see outside the synagogue and near our homes is distressing. We wish someone was doing something about it all.

Well, someone is. On Saturday, August 17, at noon, come and hear about the organization in our neighborhood that is doing something about it. Linda Lucks will be our guest speaker after kiddush.

Linda is a lifelong community activist who has lived and worked in Venice since 1970. She is coordinator of community engagement and special events for Venice Community Housing, a nonprofit organization that supports, builds affordable housing, and advocates for equitable and inclusive communities that advance racial and economic justice.

She is most proud of becoming the first Bat Mitzvah at her reform synagogue in 1955 (Temple Beth Torah in Pacoima) and is a staunch Zionist.