Selected Reform Responsa 157
an emergency situation, but with a well planned activity for which preparations have been made over a long period of time. Some Reform Jews may not live up to the ideals of shabbat observance, but we must, nevertheless, encourage them and discourage activities which clearly lead in other directions.
We would, therefore, encourage the Jewish community to participate in other aspects of this charitable venture. They may plan, collect the necessary materials as well as fund the project, but they should not participate on shabbat itself.
As the project is carried out twice during the year, one of those occasions can be a day other than shabbat. If Sunday seems inappropriate, then one of the national holidays can be selected. We should participate in the project but not on shabbat.
Walter Jacob