Tikkun Olam (Social Action & Social Justice)

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Tikkun Olam Committee

Congregation Emeth’s Tikkun Olam  Committee participates in and organizes many programs, such as feeding those in need, holding food and clothing drives, and building bridges of friendship and communication with other faith-based organizations in south Santa Clara County.

 

Much of our Tikkun Olam (Social Action & Social Justice) activities have shifted or changed in light of Covid-19. We encourage you to reach out to our Committee Chair Jill at tikkunolam@emeth.net to learn more about our current opportunities to get involved. 

 

The below activities exemplify our pre-Covid opportunities:

Serving Monthly at the Lord’s Table

One of our regular events is preparing a meal to feed those in need at the Lord’s Table in Gilroy. On the third Thursday of every month, 3-7 pm, Emeth members volunteer at the Lord’s Table kitchen and hall, preparing the meal, serving dinner, and cleaning up. Between 100 and 200 local adults and children receive a free nutritious meal through this effort. Contact at lordstable@emeth.net to learn more or get involved.

Mazon

Each High Holiday season, we collect sacks of nonperishable food items and monetary donations for Mazon. The food items go to food pantries in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The donations to Los Angeles-based Mazon help this national nonprofit organization in its mission to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel.

Dreidel Board

Before Chanukah, we participate in the Embrace-A-Family dreidel board gift program organized by Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley. Emeth members have the opportunity to fulfill a gift request for a child or adult in need in the Jewish community. Contact at dreidelboard@emeth.net for more information.

Christmas Dinner / Toys / Blankets / Clothes at the Lord’s Table

On December 25, for over 25 years, Emeth members have prepared Christmas dinner for those in need at the Lord’s Table, so Christian workers can spend the day with their families. Turkeys are distributed to members to cook in advance for this meal. Members transform the dining area into a festive banquet hall, complete with tablecloths and seasonal decor. In preparation for this event, members also collect clothing, blankets, and toys. Near the Christmas tree, members sort and arrange the clothing and blankets collected in recent months for those in need to select and take with them. And every child at the dinner receives a gift. Contact at xmasdinner@emeth.net to learn more or get involved.

Interfaith Clergy Alliance of South County & Interfaith Community of South County (ICSC)

parade 2016Inspired by Rabbi Israel’s leadership in developing an interfaith service led by sixteen local clergy, held on Martin Luther King Day 2016, and by the subsequent formation of the “Interfaith Clergy Alliance of South County”, Congregation Emeth has taken the lead in launching the “Interfaith Community of South County” (ICSC). This lay interfaith group is committed to creating compassionate communities through social, service, and educational programs. The group is sponsoring a series of educational programs, called “Faith of Our Neighbors,” In addition, the group celebrates American holidays together; the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, and Memorial day.

Safe Park

A project that Emeth volunteers have recently become involved in is “Safe Park”, a service coordinated through the Morgan Hill Police, City of Morgan Hill, the Gilroy Compassion Center, and local faith based organizations. It provides a safe place for homeless people to park while they are looking for housing. The Interfaith CommUNITY of South County provides Friday dinners to the families throughout the year, with their member organizations (like Emeth) each selecting a turn. If you would like to partner with another Emeth family to provide a dinner (to about 18 people), please contact at safepark@emeth.net.

Learn more from our Tikkun Olam brochure

Tikkun Olam Brochure

or contact at tikkunolam@emeth.net. Contact Susan as well if you have suggestions for projects, would like to join the committee, or want to volunteer for any of the above programs.

 

10/3/19 EAM