Social Action
A basic principle of our faith is Tikkun Olam, “to repair the world,” a concept that is a hallmark of Reform Judaism. Over the past year, TAS has reinvigorated its commitment to Tikkun Olam through a comprehensive and integrated approach to social action that makes Tikkun Olam a centerpiece of the Temple’s culture and infuses this priority throughout congregational life.
A RENEWED COMMITMENT
TAS’ Social Action Committee has recently been reorganized around this renewed commitment, anchored in the creation of deeper, lasting relationships with TAS Social Action Partners – key organizations addressing important issues and human needs in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, and around the globe. TAS is partnering with these organizations and helping to mobilize congregants as volunteers and active participants in their activities. Our initial partner organizations are:
- SOVA: The SOVA food banks in Van Nuys and Los Angeles, a program of Jewish Family Service of LA, provide free groceries and supportive services to thousands of men, women, and children every month.
- MEND (Meeting Each Need with Dignity): Based in Pacoima, MEND works to transform the lives of the neediest residents in the San Fernando Valley, providing food, clothing, medical, vision, and dental care, job skills training and job placement assistance.
- L.A. Family Housing: Based in North Hollywood, L.A. Family Housing is the leading San Fernando Valley organization addressing homelessness and the affordable housing crisis, providing emergency shelter and transitional shelter to individuals and families.
- Jewish World Watch (JWW): JWW works to mobilize synagogues, their schools, their members and the community to combat genocide and other egregious violations of human rights around the world through education, advocacy, and refugee relief.
- Knock Foundation: Co-founded by TAS member Kim Krowne and her father, Barry, the foundation is a grass-roots initiative to assist rural communities in northern Tanzania and the developing world, giving people the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty,
WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION!
The Social Action Committee offers exciting new opportunities for congregants to get involved and make a difference in our communities. Please join us at our Committee meetings, typically held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Northridge home of Social Action Co-Chair, Sarah Londer. We welcome your participation in the activities listed in this brochure, and you can also become involved in any of the following ways:
- Serve as a liaison with one of our Social Action Partner organizations
- Become a hands-on volunteer with one of our Social Action Partners
- Assist with organizing a Social Action Shabbat or Social Action speaker event
- Work with TAS students on Mitzvah Projects for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah
- Organize special social action projects helping people and communities in need
To join the Social Action Committee’s email list or to become part of these exciting new initiatives, please contact committee Co-Chair Ken Bernstein at (818) 709-1931 or kbernstein3@earthlink.net
TAS SOCIAL ACTION “SUNDAYS OF SERVICE” CALENDAR – 2012-2013 (5773)
Performing mitzvot by giving back to our community is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Helping others who need our help the most – those who are hungry, elderly, disabled, or less fortunate – is meaningful at the core of our existence. Come join us each month as, together, we endeavor to fulfill Tikkun Olam and Repair the World right here in Los Angeles. Contact Shellie Prezant for more information at petsrpeopletoo@att.net
Every Monday
“Bunches of Bagels” donations to SOVA by Western Bagel, Chatsworth
October 6, 2012
Efrat Yakobi and Sarah Londer Bat Mitzvah
This special ceremony will honor the Social Action Committee’s work and benefit the Abayudaya Community of Uganda
October 14, 2012
SOVA Food Pantry Helpers (TAS SOS)
Help sort and package food at SOVA, one of TAS’ Social Action Partners, to serve the hungry. [All ages welcome]
October 21, 2012
TAS Blood Drive
Please donate to help address the chronic local shortage of blood throughout our community.
November 4, 2012
Mitzvah Day
Come participate in an exciting array of Tikkun Olam activities at the Temple and in the community.
November-December 2012
Matanot MiLibeinu (Gifts from the Heart) Holiday Gifts
Help give the neediest residents in our community a special holiday season by donating holiday gifts for local families
December 2, 2012
Jewish Home Sunday Concert Companions (TAS SOS)
Accompany elderly residents at Reseda’s Jewish Home during a musical performance.
December 25, 2012
L.A. Family Housing on Christmas Day
Help serve holiday meals at the San Fernando Valley’s largest shelter and transitional living center for formerly homeless families
January 27, 2013
Food Forward Fruit Pick (TAS SOS, tentative site: Orcutt Ranch Park), during Tu B’Shevat
Join this wonderful organization to pick fruit from local citrus trees—for distribution through our local food pantries—to nourish others in need in our community. [Fun for all ages!]
February 10, 2013
TASTY Social Action Event for TAS SOS
Support TAS’ very own “Temple Youth” group with its social action activity to help our local community. [Everyone is welcome!]
March 10, 2013
Jewish Family Service Community Passover Seder (TAS SOS)
Join 75 volunteers to serve a catered Passover meal to ~250 socially isolated seniors in the San Fernando Valley. [4th Grade – Adult]
April 14, 2013
Jewish World Watch Walk to End Genocide
Be part of the TAS “team” for the large annual walk to raise funds for TAS Social Action Partner Jewish World Watch, supporting their work to combat genocide in Africa.
April 21, 2013
Jewish Home Sunday Concert Companions (TAS SOS)
Accompany elderly residents at Reseda’s Jewish Home during a musical performance.
May 4-5, 2013
Big Sunday Weekend
TAS will again participate actively in the largest citywide weekend of community service (specific events TBA)
May 11, 2013
“Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive
Volunteer at TAS Social Action Partner MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity, in Pacoima) to assist with donations to MEND’s food pantry through the nation’s largest annual food drive, sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service.
June 8-9, 2013
Special Olympics Summer Games (TAS SOS)
Everyone’s a winner when TAS – for its second year – helps athletes from across Southern California compete for a medal at the 2013 Summer
Games at Cal State Long Beach. Be inspired, and join as a volunteer to stage the athletes, assist as a scorekeeper, linesman, or coach’s assistant. Or be a “Fans in the Stands” volunteer. [Fun for all ages!]
Monthly
Social Action Committee Meetings
The TAS Social Action Committee holds most meetings on the fourth Thursday evening of the month, 7:00 p.m., at the home of committee co-chair Sarah Londer.
