Justice, justice you shall pursue (Deuteronomy 16:20)
Beth Tikvah’s continued commitment is to engage congregants in the work of Tikkun Olam on a regular basis, seek and promote social justice and to model these ideals and traditions for our children through ongoing education and programs that address goals of social action and social justice. To accomplish this, the Social Action Committee has undertaken the following programs. The committee also encourages and informs members of Tikkun Olam projects in the general Columbus and Columbus Jewish communities.
Adopt-a-School Project
Beth Tikvah continues to provide support to our adopted Elementary schools–Como and Hamilton STEM.
Congregants tutor students or volunteer in classrooms two to four times a month. New and gently used children’s books are collected regularly and distributed to the students twice a year.
During Mitzvah Day and Mitzvah Craft group meetings, packets of books and school supplies which have been donated, are assembled and distributed to preschool children during teacher home visits.
B.R.E.A.D. (Building Responsibility Equality And Dignity).
Interfaith groups from various congregations throughout Columbus that work together to promote social justice and impact local legislation. Our Rodef Tzedek network is very active in promoting home meetings to assess concerns, B.R.E.A.D rallys and attendance at the large Nehemiah Action meeting. Issues addressed in the past have included legislation to lower interest on pay day loans, youth incarceration, blighted housing and truancy reduction.
Caring Community
The Caring Community provides outreach to our members dealing with the death of a family member, illness, unemployment, hospitalization, a new baby or adoption. Help is also available to senior members who need assistance. Confidential notification can be made through the rabbi or the office. Additional help is always welcome.
Gardening Group
The Beth Tikvah Garden Group was formed by a group of Temple members with a shared interest in flowers and gardening. The group usually meets on Monday mornings throughout the growing year to work on the Beth Tikvah grounds. The outstanding dedication and love for gardening has won this group the 2009 Best of Worthington Award from the US Commerce Association. Two grounds workdays are held annually, one in the spring and one in the late fall. These workdays are drawn from a larger portion of the congregation.
The beautiful gardens can be appreciated from the view in the sanctuary, as you enter the driveway and as you enter the building. If you enjoy gardening or would like to learn more about gardening, the gardening group is always looking for new faces and hands. If you’d like to garden with us but can’t meet on Tuesday, please contact us anyway.
Kibbitz & Kraft
Kibbitz & Kraft meets to work on projects to support Mitzvah Day and other temple and social action projects. Projects include teaching dolls and activity bags for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, walker bags for Heritage House and no-sew blankets for temple member newborns. They also collect used grocery bags from the congregation and transform them into sleeping mats fro the homeless.
Mitzvah Day Planning Committee
Mitzvah Day is Social Action committee’s largest Tikkun Olam project. Addressing various issues of Tzaar Baalel Chayim(kindness to animals), Hiddur P’nai Zaken (caring for the elderly), Ma’akhil R’evin (feeding the hungry), and H’ahavta L’reyacha (Loving one’s Neighbors). Mitzvah Day seeks to create a congregational community of caring and justice with various projects in an effort to repair the world . Mitzvah Day may be off site in community parks or agencies, fully onsite, or a combination with large efforts made to engage as many congregants as possible. Completely on site in 2013, new projects included sorting toiletries and blankets for foster children, making a Tikkun Olam quilt, beautifying Beth Tikvah’s library and yard, making dogs for toys to go with the biscuits, along with various favorite projects from previous years such as lunches for the homeless. In 2013, it was combined with Earth Day (see below).
Red Cross Blood Drives
Organized by Beth Tikvah members, Blood Drives are held multiple times per year and draw both Temple and community donors.
Social Action Committee
The social action committee is responsible for Mitzvah Day, the Tu BiShvat Seder and the High Holy Days Food Drive. Get involved today!
Tu BiSh’vat Seder Planning Committee
Earth Day and Tu BiSh’vat programs focus on the environment and its relationship to Jewish values to promote Bal Tasjchit –caring for the earth. This year a community garden was planted, and there were activities on bee keeping, healthy local eating and how to live a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.
All congregants are invited and encouraged to participate in social action programs. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
