Temple of Aaron Tikkun Olam (Social Justice) Committee
The mission of the Temple of Aaron Tikkun Olam Committee is to educate
and engage Temple of Aaron members in community-based action to build
a better world -- Tikkun Olam. Through service projects, advocacy
and organizing, Temple of Aaron's Tikkun Olam/Social Justice Committee will
ensure that social justice is an integral part of the synagogues' mission.
Current Projects
Tzdekah to Make Dreams Come True
There is a plastic column that you will start seeing in the entry hall of the Temple in the next few days. It is Temple of Aaron's version of the blue Tzdekah box needed to “Make Dreams Come True.”
It is our way of reminding you that Temple of Aaron is working to make a dent in the homeless issue in our community. We are hoping to raise $10,000 with your help. The funds will be used not only to support Project Home and the Family Housing Fund who has brought us the wonderful “Home, Sweet Home Again” Art Exhibit hanging in the Greenburg Gallery but also to support our Habitat for Humanity build this summer. HFH uses the funds we raise to purchase more land and building supplies for their ongoing developments. The most aggressive project we are aiming for is to provide seed money to support the building of a dwelling for a low income family.
This is a challenge Temple of Aaron Social Justice Committee is setting for itself and you. Tikun Olum “healing the world” can only be achieved if we all work together, one dollar, one check, one donation at a time. So whether you are at temple for minyon, Hebrew school, Sunday school, Adult education classes or board meetings. Consider contributing to our “Tzdekah box” for those less fortunate who need a warm, safe place to call “Home.” For further information on building for Habitat for Humanity or supporting the Family housing Fund contact Susan Flynn.
Ongoing Activities
Project Home Volunteers Are Needed
Project Home is administered by the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches. Its goal is to provide friendly and safe emergency housing for homeless families in Ramsey County.
The Temple of Aaron is seeking volunteers to staff the overflow shelter site at:
Messiah Episcopal Church, 1631 Ford Parkway, St. Paul for June 22nd – 26th (Sunday – Friday am)
1st Shift: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm; and 2nd Shift: 8:00 pm – 7:30 am
The first shift needs 2-3 people, and the second shift needs 2 people. All volunteers (adults only) will need to attend a 1-1/2 hour training session. You can volunteer for one or more shifts and can choose which ones you want.
To volunteer or for questions, you can contact Social Justice Committee members: Sharon Schwartz or Lois Bloomberg.
Habitat for Humanity Homebuilders
Temple of Aaron and the Interfaith Builders are beginning to plan for the Summer 2007 Habitat for Humanity (HFH) season. The group will work on a project in the St. Paul community for four consecutive weeks during the summer. The project will either be a new dwelling, as it was last year, or a renovation plan which may include demolition or a rebuilding. It promises to be another fun, challenging and ultimately rewarding experience.
All members over the age of 17 years are welcome to participate. We will need volunteers with experience in construction to fill the positions of project managers and crew chiefs. Project managers must commit to supervising for the full week to oversee continuity of the weekly projects. Crew chiefs are daily assistants to the manager and need to have building /construction experience, also. Curious but have no experience? Experienced? GREAT!! We need all of you!! Put Habitat for Humanity on your summer radar screen and watch for details in the Aaronian, as they unfold.
If you cannot join us physically, please join us in
fulfilling our Tikun Olum (repair the world) commitment by sending
your checks made out to Temple of Aaron and earmarked for the “Habitat for Humanity” project.
Together we can build a better world, starting right here in St.
Paul.
We hope next year you will be saying: “I had a wonderful time getting filthy in a good cause” (Deb Bachrach). “One of the things that made sanding the walls on the Habitat house worthwhile was talking with the Somali immigrant who worked alongside us on the project. He and his six siblings were looking forward to moving in as soon as possible. He told me about all the different ways his family was working to “make it” in America. He could have been talking about my grandparents! This is a way of thanking all the people in the settlement houses, etc., who made it easier for my ancestors to “make it” in
America 100 years ago.”
Tzedakah Fund
The
Temple of Aaron Men's Club hosts a Tzedakah Fund. Each year many hundreds
of dollars are distributed to individuals and families in severe need.
The Men's Club receives requests, not only from Temple of Aaron households,
but fromthe Jewish Family Service, who have identified needs. In addition,
the Rabbis' Discretionary Fund supports those needs. When you are making
tzedakah decisions, contribute to the Men's Club or the Rabbis' Discretionary
Fund. Contact the Temple office for information.
Ronald McDonald House brunchbuilders
Temple of Aaron members support the Ronald McDonald
House in its effort to provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since that time, more than 10 million families around the world have benefited from the comfort provided by a Ronald McDonald House. Temple of Aaron members provide a meal once a month to families who have children receiving health care at one of the local hospitals. Join
with other synagogue members to cook, serve or financially support
this project.
Jewish Community Action (JCA)
JCA brings together Jewish people from diverse traditions and perspectives
to promote understanding and take action on social and economic justice
issues in Minnesota. JCA organizes Jews to make our community the way
it should be and to create a more just society in Minnesota. We work
on affordable housing, economic development and immigrant rights. We work on changing policies and laws at the local, state and federal level. JCA
also provides opportunities for youth to get involved in learning and
taking action on social justice issues. JCA supports the Temple of Aaron's Social Justice Committee's 2008 focus on affordable housing and homelessness.
Contact List
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