Social Action & Social Justice

“It is not up to you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it” (Pirkei Avot 2:21)

Tikkun olam, literally “repairing the world” is a cornerstone of Reform Judaism and an integral part of ongoing activities at Temple B’nai Shalom. The Social Action Committee looks for opportunities, within our temple community, and in our county, our nation, and our world, for temple members to contribute to the work of tikkun olam, through mitzvot (good deeds).

Our Social Action projects and activities are constantly expanding, and we look for new ideas, new projects, and new members. We hope you will join in one of our many projects. New ideas are always welcome.

Social Action at Temple B’nai Shalom

High Holy Day Food Collection

Each Rosh Hashanah our youth group, BEASTY, distributes empty grocery bags to each congregant attending services. On Yom Kippur, members return these bags filled up with generous food donations to be donated to the Lorton Community Action Center. We donate tons of food from this collection, which always constitutes the largest single donation the Center receives each year.

Chanukah Gift Collection

Each year the TBS Social Action Committee coordinates a gift collection for Holocaust survivors, Jewish families in need in the community, and residents of Jewish group homes. We also host a Chanukah party at a Jewish group home in Reston where we light the menorah, sing Chanukah songs, and give residents Chanukah presents. This program was the subject of a Washington Jewish Week article in 2010.

The CROP Walk

Each year TBS participates in the CROP Hunger Walk, devoted to helping children and families worldwide––and in the United States––to have food for today while building for a better tomorrow. Each year some 2 million CROP Hunger Walkers, including an ever-growing contingent of TBS walkers, put their hearts and soles in motion, raising more than $16 million each year to help end hunger and poverty.

Mitzvah Day

Every Spring, we participate in the great TBS tradition of Mitzvah Day. We feature projects that promise something for everyone of every age and interest!

We undertake collections and other projects to benefit people here at home and in Israel. Many of the activities will be hands-on and available in the TBS social hall, so you won’t have very far to go to do your good deed for the day!

We always look for new project ideas and new collections to benefit our neighbors in need in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. Watch the KOL and weekly e-mails for regular updates throughout the spring.