A Message from Your Co-Chairs Giving thanks. Being mindful. Experiencing a sense of gratitude. More than an abundant feast, the American holiday of Thanksgiving reminds us to pause, catch our breath and take stock of our blessings. This year, as many of us gather in-person with family and friends, we have reasons to celebrate. We are part of a caring and devoted Kehillah, our Temple Emanu-El community, each of us connected to the other in some meaningful way. The Social Justice Committee, in particular, has enjoyed a busy and purposeful year. We made significant inroads feeding the food-insecure in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. We helped vulnerable women and children by providing meals, coats and reading materials. We have done our part to be good stewards of the earth and make better use of our natural resources. We have supported Afghan refugees who are carving out new lives for themselves and their families in the Atlanta area. We have planted daffodils to grow our garden and … [Read more...]
February 10, 2021 – 28 Shevat 5781
Letter From The Co-Chairs Welcome to the latest edition of Tikkun Olam Times, or as we affectionately call it, TOT. This issue reflects our dedication to Social Justice and our desire to inform, connect and engage our readers with opportunities to repair our broken world. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, we found ways for you to engage safely in acts of chased (loving kindness) and tzedakah (giving). This month's publication is packed with inspiring stories, selfless deeds and touching testimonials. Our first feature shines a light on congregants working in the healthcare, educational and emergency systems. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, home health care workers, medical technicians, public health professionals, teachers, chaplains, physical therapists, psychotherapists and those who keep our minds active, spirits lifted and community safe! We are better and stronger because of you. Wendy Frank and Julie Mokotoff Social Justice Co-Chairs for Temple Emanu-El In … [Read more...]
September 16, 2020 – 27 Elul 5780
CHAI HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE KICKS OFF Participate in Temple Emanu-El’s annual High Holiday food drive, and you will make a difference in the fight against hunger. All donations go to the Community Assistance Center (CAC) and the Food Pantry at Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS). Both directly serve food-insecure families and individuals in our community. Also known as Project Isaiah, this year the drive has been renamed the Chai Holiday Food Drive, as we focus on “chai”, the Hebrew word for “life”. And since “chai” is symbolized by the number 18, we’re asking congregants to consider donating from 18 nutritionally dense, non-perishable foods. Foods to consider include: canned meats canned soup canned chili canned vegetables canned tuna canned stews canned beans quinoa rice oatmeal & other cereals juice boxes or cans fruit cups peanut butter & jelly canned spaghetti sauce & pastas boxed pasta meals (like mac ‘n’ cheese) You can drop off your donation … [Read more...]
July 7, 2020 – 15 Tamuz 5780
Letter From The Co-Chairs Welcome to the second edition of Tikkun Olam Times, a living, breathing space to inform, educate and advocate for Social Action and Justice. Since the first edition of TOT on June 9, a head-spinning number of events and decisions have occurred. Demonstrations urging racial equality swept the nation and the world. The Supreme Court determined that it is, “unlawful for an employer to fail to hire or discharge an individual … because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex or national origin.” The Supreme Court also upheld the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Here at home, the Georgia House and Senate passed a Hate Crimes Bill, HB426, that Governor Kemp signed into law. All of this activity while we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. Wendy Frank & Julie Mokotoff At Carnival With A Cause March 8, 2020 Against this backdrop of challenge and change, Judaism provides a constructive framework to guide our thoughts … [Read more...]
June 9, 2020 – 17 Sivan 5780
Letter From The Co-Chairs Hello and welcome to Tikkun Olam Times, a blog dedicated to Social Justice. Our tag line says it all. Be Inspired-Get Engaged-Do a Mitzvah. Our mission is to provide you, members of our community, with a one-stop shop: a place to uplift and inform, connect as a Kehillah, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Here, you can search for volunteer opportunities and find specific ways to help repair cracks in our bruised and fragile world. Here, you can read good news, see inspiring pictures, and learn how young, old, and everyone in between are helping the vulnerable in our backyard. As the needs in our community and the demands of Covid-19 change, so too will this publication. We will shift gears in response to those changes, expanding certain programs, offering new ones, and phasing out projects when recipients no longer need them. We want to be as nimble as possible; but, we need to hear from you! If you learn about a teen involved in a meaningful mitzvah … [Read more...]