What is a good person or a mensch?  Some would say that people who do not behave badly are good people.  Judaism has a more strict definition than that.  You cannot be a passive, “good” person.  In order to be “good” by Jewish standards, you must actively do good deeds to try to correct the injustices that exist in the world.  It is a mitzvah, a Jewish responsibility, to help make the world a better place (Tikkun Olam). 

Unfortunately, you need only flick on the news to realize that there are countless opportunities for carrying out this mitzvah every day.  The pessimist may claim that there is so much injustice in the world that none of us can make a difference. The ancient Rabbi Tarfon taught that, none of us is responsible for making the world perfect, but that all of us are responsible for doing our part to make it better.  Skeptical about whether your contribution can make a difference?  We can all learn from a young cancer victim who had a big dream.  Her dream and ultimately, her legacy are known today as Alex’s Lemonade Stand. 

At Temple Emanuel, the Social Action Committee is responsible for creating opportunities for congregants to fulfill the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam.  Our job is twofold because we help our congregants to fulfill their Jewish responsibilities, while helping those in need in the community.  Throughout the year we provide many opportunities for congregants of all ages and interests to help those in need. 

Our hope on the Social Action Committee is that every congregant at Temple Emanuel will help us to put the “action” in social action by lending your time and energy to a worthy cause.  We can guarantee from experience that whatever your problems or time constraints, helping someone with greater challenges will be rewarding to you. We would welcome your involvement in our committee and our various activities throughout the year.

For more information, contact Rabbi Geri Newburge.