Tikkun Olam

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צדק צדק תרדף
Tzedek, tzedek tirdof
Justice, justice shall you pursue

—Deuteronomy 16:20

At Beth El, we recognize that our collective capacity to create long-term systemic change is strengthened when tikkun olam [repairing the world] is deeply rooted in all aspects of our community’s culture. We strive to sustain this vision of networked, collective action through high-impact social justice initiatives that deepen our relationships with each other, and to a diverse set of partners beyond our synagogue’s walls. Our work together will result in transformational change within our congregation and the wider world.

Explore Tikkun Olam in Action at Congregation Beth El below.

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

As members of a nation of immigrants, we are often outraged by the actions of our government at our borders, in our detention facilities, and in our schools impacting the children of undocumented parents. Beth El’s Interfaith Immigration Justice Committee encourages all who are interested to participate in immigrant justice community activities throughout the year. Upcoming events are regularly posted in Beth El’s weekly E-Update.

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INTERFAITH CONNECTIONS

At Beth El, we have been working for some time to establish links with other faith communities as well as connections within the Jewish community. We welcome everyone to participate in the many interfaith events which are happening in our wider community. If you are interested in helping to foster and plan connections please contact Caroline Lehman.

Upcoming events are regularly posted in Beth El’s weekly E-Update.

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WELCOMING THE STRANGER

Beth El has partnered with Jewish Family and Community Services of the East Bay to help resettle refugees from war-torn regions. Opportunities to step into action, volunteering to help with the newcomer families, finding furniture, searching for suitable apartments, raising funds, etc. are greatly welcomed. For more information on how to get involved contact Gadi Meir.

CURRENT SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVE - CARE FIRST, JAIL LAST

The Tikkun Olam Leadership Team (TOLT) is currently advocating for the Care First, Jails Last campaign, urging Alameda County Supervisors to invest in community-based mental health services and work to find alternatives to jailing people with mental illness.

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HOMELESS MEAL

Congregation Beth El has provided meals to those in need in the Berkeley community for the past 35 years. The meals are currently distributed on a take-away basis at 3 pm on the 3rd Sunday of the month in Downtown Berkeley on the Southwest corner of Shattuck & Kittredge intersection in downtown Berkeley adjacent to library, and to the Tiny House Village near the Oakland Coliseum. In addition, working with the Beth El Mitzvah Corps, meals are provided on the same day to Beth El congregants in need (e.g., illness, bereavement).

20-25 volunteers are needed for each monthly meal. To receive the monthly email volunteer sign-up link or for other information, please contact Jeff Leon.

B-REDI - BELONGING through RACIAL EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

"Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason."
-Abraham Joshua Heschel

The B-REDI Team exists to hold a space for thinking in a more focused way about how the pervasive racism and white supremacy of our dominant culture show up inside of our Beth El community. Opportunities for learning, reflection, and action are regularly posted in Beth El’s weekly E-Update.

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CLIMATE TZEDEK

The Congregation Beth El Climate Tzedek was formed to address the global climate crisis in accordance with Jewish values. Our goal is to educate and drive adoption of environmentally sustainable practices within Congregation Beth-El, in local communities, and at a state and national policy level. We see climate action as a critical element of Tikkun Olam and invite congregation members to learn more about how they can contribute to environmental sustainability solutions by contacting Jeff Lipton or Ted Obbard.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK PARTNERSHIP

Every year during the High Holy Days and the Winter holiday season we think about those in need. During the High Holy Days we collect non-perishable food for the Alameda County Community Food Bank and during the Winter holiday season, we collect monetary donations for the ACCFB’s Turkey Dinner Drive.

Through our partnership with the ACCFB we hope to come closer to eradicating hunger in Alameda County and beyond!

FULL BELLY FARMS CSA PARTNERSHIP

Beth El has partnered with Full Belly Farm to have produce boxes of locally sourced, seasonal fruits and vegetables delivered HERE! If you've been waiting for the right time to join a CSA and support our community's agriculture, the time is now! More information and the registration form are available here. (NOTE: Make sure to mark the Wednesday, Oxford Street pick-up location!)