Social action is a key communal focus at B’nai Tikvah. We believe it is an important part of who we are and strive to help those in our immediate community and beyond. Our social action committee sponsors several ongoing programs, such as Mitzvah Day, Feed the Homeless, Collection Drives, and Walk for Israel
The committee and Rabbi Alex are always looking for organizations that need help through either participation or donations. We are also aware of the issues presented by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and work closely with the JUF TOV (Tikkun Olam Volunteers) program.
The JUF TOV Volunteer Network, an exciting organization that links prospective volunteers to service opportunities in the Jewish and larger Chicago community, presents Fall Mitzvah Mania (FMM). FMM, a calendar of one-time volunteer opportunities. Do something good this fall! Serve a meal, build a house, sort food donations, visit with the elderly and so much more!
In conjunction with FMM, TOV collects new toys, new travel-size toiletries and new winter outerwear to benefit the clients of local social service agencies.
There are projects for individuals and groups of all ages.
For more information or to sign up, visit www.jur.org call the TOV hotline at (312) 357-4762.
Have a spare hour? Do you wonder what you do with your time? Would you like to make your time more worthwhile?
How about a phone call to a fellow congregant who isn't feeling up to par?
How about putting together Shabbat baskets for those who are ill or want to just deliver the baskets?
Some of our fellow congregants could use an extra hand to hold or to drive them somewhere or bring them food. You could be that extra hand. Call Sheri Hokin, 847/452-8570, or Sherrie Weiss, 847/948-6377, Co-Chairs.
Also, please tell us about fellow Congregants who may need some assistance. We are looking for opportunities to:
- Grocery shop
- Run some errands
- Bring over or arrange for meals
- Stop by just to talk or bring coffee and Danish
- Provide transportation to doctor, therapy or car pools, etc.
- Bring a copy of Jewish Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Healing Prayer pamphlet to a Congregant
You may call Rabbi Alex, the Synagogue office or one of us. Let us know if you or someone you know could use a little assistance.
The concept of Tikkun Olam or repairing the world through social action is one of the traditional categories of tzedakah (righteousness and justice). The obligation to repair the world is a basic foundation to Judaism. Engaging in acts of Tikkun Olam is the primary means for satisfying the need to create a sense of Jewish community and identity. Acts of Tikkun Olam provide us with channels through which we can apply our Jewish response to contemporary issues. Social action at Congregation B'nai Tikvah provides a link between the ethical mandate of the Jewish tradition and the desire of members of the congregation to address themselves to some of the major issues facing our society and community. We promote Tikkun Olam by encouraging and facilitating individual participation in a variety of activities throughout our B'nai Tikvah and Chicagoland community.
The Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV) Network is JUF's connection point for people who want to donate their time to help others in need. TOV places members of the Jewish community with Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation affiliated agencies and with community service projects that need volunteers. Whether you are interested in volunteering once a week or once a year, in the city or in the suburbs, with the elderly or with children, by tutoring or by serving food to the homeless, TOV's volunteer advisors will work hard to find the best match to meet your needs and interests. More information on the many volunteer opportunities TOV sponsors can be found at www.juf.org by contacting the TOV Volunteer Network, 312/357-4762, or emailing tov@juf.org.
The JUF Uptown Cafe is Chicago's first kosher anti-hunger program for the needy. In addition to providing hot meals in a restaurant-style setting, the JUF Uptown Cafe program brings dignity and hope to people in need. The JUF Uptown Cafe feeds Jews and non-Jews alike and is open three days a week for dinner and on Sundays for brunch. Volunteers serve food and converse with guests at their tables. Volunteers ages 12 and over are welcome but, if under 18, must be accompanied by an adult.
An affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy, the literacy project places volunteers in Chicago area schools. The project's goal is to help elementary school children enhance their reading skills. In just one hour a week, volunteers can make a real impact on a child's academic and personal life. As a volunteer with the ]UF TOV Literacy Project you can either work with students as a face-to-face tutor in the classroom or as an online tutor from home or work. Volunteers must be college age or older and must commit to tutoring for the full academic year.
is a seasonal list of one-time volunteer opportunities. Sign up and commit to one project at a time. There is no long term obligation. Mitzvah Manias take place in fall, winter and spring, offer many holiday related projects, and are the perfect opportunity for individuals, families, groups and teens to perform the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam in the greater Chicagoland area. Spring Mitzvah Mania takes place during the weeks surrounding Passover, Easter, Yom Hashoah, Earth Day, Mother's Day and Yom Ha'atzmaut.
