Tikkun olam, a Hebrew phrase which literally means “to mend/repair the world,” is a vital part of what we do here at Congregation B’nai Israel. Our temple offers many opportunities to get involved in social action and the pursuit of social justice. Everyone is welcome to contribute, whether attending a single event or joining one of our nine Tikkun Olam committees. To learn more or to volunteer, reach out to Tikkun Olam Chairperson Nina Silberman or Rabbi Sarah Marion (unless otherwise indicated below).
Mitzvah Morning volunteers meet monthly to perform acts of tikkun olam in the local community, providing services such as feeding hungry families, purchasing holiday gifts for those who cannot afford them and creating packs for young victims of domestic abuse to go to camp for the summer.
The Caring Committee provides some extra kindness and compassion for those in need in our B’nai Israel community. We support individuals and families who are going through transitions, such as birth, illness, grief and loneliness.
The Reproductive Justice Committee advocates for reproductive healthcare locally and across the county. The committee successfully advocated for state legislation to expand abortion access and provide legal protections for persons receiving and providing reproductive healthcare services in Connecticut. We also show and discuss documentaries on the abortion issue.
The Kulanu synagogue partnership program with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) helps congregations address antisemitism and hate in their communities through education, community engagement and advocacy. The program provides access to timely webinars and workshops.
Congregation B’nai Israel continues to address food security by providing meals for both the St. John’s Community Supper in Bridgeport and Operation Hope in Fairfield. Congregants meet up the second Tuesday of the month to cook a hot dinner for St. John’s Church. Bimonthly, volunteers cook from home to provide dinners for Operation Hope.
The Eco Justcie Committee brings sustainable practices to the B’nai Israel community and advocates for climate action both locally and nationally. The committee works to improve energy efficiency, incorporate plant-based meals, create pollinator environments, compost and more.
Anyone interested in increasing awareness of mental health issues and access to mental health services is invited to join the Mental Health Awareness Committee. The committee helps to organize field trips and bring films and speakers to B’nai Israel to raise awareness about mental health.
Congregation B’nai Israel is a founding member of CONECT (Congregations for a New Connecticut), this area’s interfaith social justice network. Our congregation works with elected representatives to pass state and local laws. We also sponsor a continuing film and book discussion series that was honored with a Fain Social Justice Award in 2019.
For more information, reach out to Jeff Schwartz.
The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) helps refugees, immigrants and unaccompanied minors become self-sufficient, integrated and contributing members of the community. Volunteers provide a wide range of services, including apartment set-up, driving, teaching clients how to navigate the community, administrative help, employment services and health and wellness workshops.
For more information, reach out to Wendy Bloch.