Social Justice is the unifying mandate of Reform Judaism, central to who we are and what we do in contributing to Tikkun Olam, repairing the world -- through direct service, Tzedakah (Righteous Giving), and advocacy.

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Deuteronomy 16:20 – Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Eternal your God is giving you. Parshat Shof’tim

The Temple Israel Food Drive is now in its 20th month because 38 million people face HUNGER every day and depend on food pantries, including our friends and neighbors!

In September we are collecting for Buddy System Miami: A network of 10 Community Fridges/Pantries (“Take what you need, leave what you can!”) and a Homebound Food Access program providing weekly food delivery to the elderly/immunocompromised experiencing financial hardship. Please be generous, someone out there is truly depending on you!

NEEDED NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS: peanut butter, rice (1 or 2lb. bags), dry or canned beans (pinto, kidney, black), canned vegetables, pasta/pasta sauce, canned tuna/chicken, crackers, cereal/oatmeal, protein bars, fruit/applesauce cups.

High Holiday Food Collection:

Bags will be distributed on Rosh Hashanah

and collected on Yom Kippur!

Tuesday, September 27th

Second Day Rosh Hashanah

“Pray With Your Feet” Mitzvah Project

In partnership with the Overtown Optimist Club

10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Meet in the heart of Overtown to distribute non-partisan voting information plus flyers promoting the amazing Optimist Club programs for children. Debrief with a light lunch and planning for future shared action.

RSVP to socialjustice@templeisrael.net

Do you really know Overtown?

Our long-standing commitment to neighboring Overtown will be the focus of the Yom Kippur “Social Justice Hour” (October 5th) – and is the basis of our ongoing volunteer programs at Chapman Partnership (Empowering the Homeless), Overtown Optimist Club, Lotus House, and the Dunbar School.

To volunteer please contact socialjustice@templeisrael.net

As we continue through the 2022 mid-term election season, we understand that it is our OBLIGATION to make our voices heard, not sit idly by – especially regarding basic freedoms as informed by our Judaism and supported by the RAC “Every Voice, Every Vote Campaign.” We must lift our voices from a place of knowledge: “Abortion and Reproductive Justice: A Jewish Perspective,” excerpt from The Social Justice Torah Commentary, Rabbi Emily Langowitz and Rabbi Joshua R. S. Fixler. Do your homework, know the issues and candidates at every level. (When in doubt, consult the NON-PARTISAN Voter Guide provided by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.)

Stay in the RAC loop by subscribing HERE.

Be Election Ready, Your Vote Counts!

Our kids faced a shattering new reality when they went back to school: Missing rainbow safe space stickers on classroom doors, empty shelves where books with LGBTQ characters or Black authors once sat, honest history erased from the lesson plan, family photos gone from their teachers’ desks. Equality Florida’s “Safe & Healthy Schools Project” works directly with 94% of Florida's school districts to establish life-saving programs to counter bullying, harassment, social isolation and bigotry. Help protect our children and teachers by donating HERE.

“…morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.”

~ Abraham Joshua Heschel

Social Justice Committee: Gary Brown, Jacqui Carmona (RAC-FL), Patty Craven, Elaine Litvak (Chapman Team), Aidan McAdams (TIFTY), Alice Miller (Lotus House), Julia Monk/Adam Roddy (Food Drive), Is Perlman, Julie Scheingoltz (Religious School), Rebecca Stanier-Shulman (Unity), Suzie Sponder (Chapman Xmas Eve Mitzvah Project), Judith Stopek (Homestead), Tom Wharton, Paula Xanthopoulou (Chair), Julia Zaias.