Social Justice

Temple Israel's Social Justice & Action Committee - dedicated to Tikkun Olam - strives to connect members of our Temple Israel community to the many social action initiatives currently in place at the synagogue, as well as to create new opportunities for helping others. 

In addition to our ongoing initiatives throughout the year, a highlight is Mitzvah Day, a great day in April in which we all come together to give back to our communities.

If you have ideas for social action initiatives in our community, contact Becca Markson.

Ongoing Initiatives

Donating Leftover Food to a Homeless Shelter

If you are hosting a Kiddush and/or larger party at Temple Israel, we are available to facilitate donating any extra food to MainSpring shelter in Brockton. If you are interested in learning more about this simple and impactful process, please contact Amy Hearne via email or call 781-603-8865.

Either you or caterer can place stickers that we will provide to you on platters/pans of unused food that you would like to donate, and a member of our committee will pick up food on Sunday and deliver to shelter. Of course, at the same time you can also retain some leftovers that you would like to take home or distribute elsewhere.

Under the leadership of volunteer Amy Hearne, we have successfully executed these shelter donations at B'nai Mitzvah held at TI this past year, and are hoping to expand the initiative. Families that have participated report that the process is simple, and not a distraction for you during what we know is an important and busy time. While both Marty Grandberg and Catering by Andrew are familiar with and supportive of the process, we are confident that it will succeed with any caterer you may be working with. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Amy Hearne via email or call 781-603-8865. 

Donating to Family Table

We are continuing our commitment to Family Table through our ongoing collection of pasta and tuna. Temple Israel has committed to donate 55 cans of tuna and 85 boxes of whole grain pasta each month to Family Table, and we need your help to meet this commitment! There is a collection box in the synagogue lobby, and the Religious School classes have their own classroom "family table" to collect weekly food donations. 

Please also consider creating basket(s) of non-perishable food to decorate the bimah or tables during a Kiddush or party, which we will be happy to pick up after celebration and donate to Family Table, Greater Boston's kosher food pantry coordinated by Jewish Family and Children's Service. 

If you are interested in learning more about how you can participate please email Rebecca Rodman or familytable@jfcsboston.org.