Social Action
Translate Jewish values into community action
At Temple Menorah, faith is something we put into practice. Our social action work turns Jewish values into real help for real people, in our community and beyond. As our tradition teaches, "Upon three things the world stands: Torah, Prayer, and Deeds of Loving Kindness." This is the third pillar, where belief becomes action.
Tikkun Olam
Our mission
Our work is led by the Tikkun Olam Social Action Committee. TikkunOlam means “repairing the world,” and that is exactly our aim: to create opportunities for our members to commit to charitable acts, or mitzvot, and weave them into daily life. Whether we are feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, or caring for the earth, we do it together, as a community.
What we do to help
From food drives to blood drives, advocacy to environmental care, our congregants show up for those in need throughout the year. Here is a look at the difference our community made together this past year.
Together, as a community, we work with the following organizations (and others) to help those in need:
Project Needs: Feed the Needy
In partnership with our local St. Paul’s Methodist church, our community prepares a meal for those in need each quarter, on the fifth Tuesday of the month. It is a simple, powerful act: neighbors of different faiths, cooking and serving side by side.
Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
We partner with the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles to bring projects to the South Bay that support those in need, extending our reach and amplifying the good we can do together.
Family Promise
Family Promise supports newly homeless families with the services they need to get back on their feet. Temple Menorah helps by bringing dinner and donating gift cards for families hosted at the American Martyrs site.
American Red Cross
Save a life. Donate blood at our Red Cross blood drives, held right here at Temple Menorah.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity builds homes and hope. With several builds and events throughout the year, there are many ways for our congregants to roll up their sleeves and take part.
Children's Law Center of California
The Children’s Law Center of California provides services for foster children across Los Angeles. Our community supports their school-supply and holiday-toy drives, helping these children feel seen and cared for.
Congregants in action
There is nothing like seeing our community roll up its sleeves. These are our members, neighbors, and friends, living out our values side by side.
Take Action
Get involved
Every one of these partnerships is a chance to live our values out loud. To join a project or give, you can sign up for an event on the Do a Mitzvah page or look at what is coming up on our calendar or reach out to the temple office and we will help you find your place.
If you are interested in joining our committee, which meets just once a month, contact Gail Rodkin at grodkin@socal.rr.com She would love to hear from you.
Your place in this community is waiting
Whether you are ready to join or just have a few questions, we would love to hear from you.