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 - 2011-2012 (5772)
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
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Food Forward "Biggest Pick Ever
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!]
Sunday, October 2, 2011
SOVA Food Pantry Helpers
Help sort and package food at SOVA, one of TAS' Social Action Partners, to serve the hungry. [All ages welcome]
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Mitzvah Day Program of Events
The Social Action Committee would like to invite you to take part in the important task of
making the world a better and safer place to live!
Join efforts with community and friends,
and take another step towards making a difference. Click here to download the entire days schedule as well as the sign-up form.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Jewish Home “Sunday Concert Companions”
Accompany elderly residents at the Jewish Home during a musical performance. [Age 13 years – Adult]
Sunday, January 8, 2012
TAS' Firefighter Appreciation Day
Bake and take goodies—as a special “New Year's treat”—to our local Fire Stations in Northridge, Granada Hills, and Porter Ranch as TAS' personal “thank you” to our local heroes! [Fun for everyone!]
Sunday, February 5, 2012
TAS' Community Cleanup Day
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get down 'n dirty as we gather together to keep our neighborhoods clean. [All ages welcome]
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Jewish Family Service Community Passover Seder
Join 75 volunteers to serve a catered Passover meal to ~250 socially isolated seniors at the JCC at Milken in West Hills. [4th Grade – Adult]
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Jewish Home “Sunday Concert Companions”
Accompany elderly residents at the Jewish Home during a musical performance. [Age 13 years – Adult]
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Big Sunday program of events
Watch for more information on Big Sunday Events.
Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, 2012
Special Olympics Summer Games (in Long Beach)
Help athletes from across Southern California compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2012 Summer Games at Cal State Long Beach. Be inspired, and join as a volunteer to stage the athletes, assist as a scorekeeper, linesman (at start or finish lines), or coach's assistant. Or be a “Fans in the Stands” volunteer. [Fun for all ages!]
