Tikkun Olam |
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Tikkun Olam, mending the world, bringing our ideals down to earth, isn't just "helping behavior" -- something to do with our "discretionary time." It's the reason we live. And when we think of the seemingly intractable social problems that surround us, and we're sick and tired of having to worry about hunger and poverty and violence and injustice; and we want to turn away and turn inward, and give up and let somebody else deal with it -- those are the moments when we're tested. And the test is this: are we serious Jews who let Jewish ideals penetrate our lives, or superficial Jews who give up when there is no quick fix? Do we ride the crest of youthful idealism, and then burn out in the trenches of middle age -- or do we keep on fighting the good fight, day after day and year after year, because that's what we were put on earth to do? - Rabbi Janet Marder
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Mission: The Beth Am Social Action Committee seeks to involve the Congregation in serving and empowering those who are disadvantaged or in need. We wish to educate and motivate Congregation members, and provide avenues for adults, youth and children to do Social Action. We, as Jews, are commanded to pursue Justice, and to participate in Tikkun Olam "Repairing the World".
"Lo alecha ha-mamlacha ligmor," says the Mishna. It's not your job to complete the work, but neither are you free to walk away from it. [Avot 2:16].
Deuteronomy 15:11 - the Torah commands that
"you open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land"
The Beth Am Social Action Committee sponsors a wide variety of single event and ongoing social action activities providing volunteer and donation opportunities for congregants interested in supporting the less fortunate in our local community, our fellow Jews, and preserving the environment. From time to time we sponsor a Tikkun Olam Celebration to introduce congregants to the many possibilities for serving others. We collaborate with other Committees and groups at Beth Am, including adult and youth education and the Émigré Council. The Social Action Committee sponsors Beth Am's membership of Peninsula Interfaith Action, an important local group advocating better access to housing and services for lower income people in our community.
Deuteronomy 16:20 - "Justice, Justice, you shall pursue."
The Beth Am Social Action Committee invites you to join the Beth Am Social Action Network (SAN)
The Beth Am Social Action Network (SAN) is an "announcements-only" E-Maiil list (all e-mails to the list will be approved by an authorized project chairperson).
The need for Tikkun Olam is increasing! The Social-Action-Network E-mail list is being started to help the many Beth am groups and individuals who are working for social justice coordinate and stay informed.
Goals:
- To improve information sharing among those committees and individuals interested in Social Action;
- To increase publicity for activities, projects, opportunities;
- To help the success of all social justic projects through cooperative effort and/or help if an emergency need arises;
- To strengthen our Beth Am community and reaffirm our values.
To Join:
Send E-Mail to Eloise Stiglitz , Beth Am Women Social Action Chair. All e-mails to the list will be approved by an authorized project chairperson.
For more information:
Neil Tuch, Social Action Committee Chair
Hunger and Homelessness and Emergency Relief Funds
We sponsor and manage two funds; the Hunger and Homelessness fund, which donates money to mostly local charities supporting low income and homeless families, and the Emergency Relief Fund, which makes donations in response to disasters and atrocities locally and word wide. We review the financial statements of charities being considered for Beth Am donations to ensure that at least 80% of funds are spent on program services and not on administration or fundraising. We are also seeking to build lasting relationships with many of the charities we fund so we are familiar with their activities. Charities must provide services that fall under either the narrow definition of Tzedakah (financial assistance to the poor) or the broader definition of Tzedakah (bringing justice and righteousness into the world.) Preference will be given, when possible, to Jewish charities. Donations by personal check to these funds, and to the Tzedakah Boxes, will be listed on the Donor Receipt you receive from Congregation Beth Am each January.
Within the last year, the following donations have been make from the Hunger and Homelessness fund
| Ecumenical Hunger Program of East Palo Alto |
$16,000 |
| Community Services Agency of Mountain View |
$6,500 |
| Urban Ministry of Palo Alto (now Invision) |
$6,500 |
| Jewish Family and Children's Services |
$3,000 |
| MAZON |
$800 |
| Peninsula Interfaith Action |
$1,250 |
Also within the last year, the following donations have been made from the Emergency Relief Fund
| For victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks |
$3,500 |
| For victims of terrorist attacks in Israel |
$2,000 |
| For Mogen David Adom |
$1,000 |
| Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Israel |
$2,500 |
| Hadassah Hospital in Israel |
$2,500 |
| A package from Home (supports Israeli soldiers) |
$1,000 |
The Social Action Committee meets at Beth Am approximately six times a year. New members are always welcome.
Please see our full listing of specific social action projects with chair contact information to see how you can help.
Committee Chairs
Neil Tuch, 965-2220
Staff Member
Shaina Wasserman, 493-4661
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