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.

Join us by choosing one of our many volunteer opportunities!

“It is so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” Maya Angelou

Awareness of the world’s many health issues is crucial, especially the often invisible mental health challenges touching us all on some level every day. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, especially amongst our most vulnerable. The Jed Foundation is a leading light for the protection of emotional health and preventing suicide for teens and young adults. Trevor Project crisis counselors are trained to answer calls, chats, or texts from LGBTQIA+ young people when they are struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQIA+ identity, depression, and suicide. These resources are ours to use and support. Most of all, attention must be paid!

The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis management. 211 in Miami. Or text HOME to 741741. (Know the suicide risk factors/warning signs. More information HERE.) 

The Temple Israel Food Drive is now in its 24th month! Why? Because the pain and stigma of Food Insecurity and HUNGER keep growing and we must keep going. 48 million people depend on food pantries and the like. In January we are collecting for Kristi House, the only Children’s Advocacy Center in Miami-Dade County – dedicated to eradicating child abuse and child sex trafficking.

NEEDED non-perishable food items: Canned soups (i.e. chicken w/rice or noodles), breakfast bars, cereal (including microwaveable oatmeal), rice/pasta, mac & cheese, peanut butter, canned fruit, individual fruit cups/applesauce, individualized snacks (i.e. crackers with cheese/peanut butter), nuts, raisins, microwave popcorn. (Please check the expiration dates.)

Contributions can be dropped off at Shabbat Services/any in-person event OR at the Temple office Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. To give from the comfort of your homes, use INSTACART

On December 24th, we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Temple Israel Christmas Eve Carnival Mitzvah at Chapman Partnership (Empowering the Homeless) – a memorable evening full of love and service under the amazing direction of co-chairs Suzie Sponder and Jenna Green. One crew wrapped donated toys at Temple Israel on the first night of Chanukah– and another crew showed up on Christmas Eve to help finish the job, serve dinner and spread good cheer on a chilly evening. Thank you to all who made this evening possible and truly special…see you next year!

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ

Loving our neighbors by being good neighbors is the basis of our ongoing Overtown volunteer programs at Chapman Partnership, Lotus House, Overtown Optimist Club, and the nearby Dunbar School:

❤️ We serve dinner every 4th Monday of the month at Chapman Partnership – next on January 23 (4:45 -7:00 PM). Join our Chapman Team by contacting Elaine Litvak at elitvak273@aol.com for an extraordinary community experience! (You can help underwrite that meal by making a contribution HERE to the Charles Held, Jr. Memorial Fund to Feed the Hungry. Thank you!)

❤️ Temple Israel volunteers help in the Lotus House kitchen every 3rd Thursday from 11 AM - 2 PM (next on January 19th). Contact Alice Miller at alimiller3@gmail.com to join our Lotus House Team.

❤️ Temple Israel TIFTY member Lara Shulman continues her service as an after-school tutor at the Optimist Club – you, too, can help a child K-6th grades with their homework any day of the week from 4-6 PM. Please contact Rebecca Stanier-Shulman at staniershulman@gmail.com to volunteer for our Optimist Club Team!

❤️ You can be part of the Dunbar School after school T.A.L.E.N.T.S. program in a way that suits your own talent, any weekday 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Contact Allison Weinstein at aweinstein@bellsouth.net to join our Dunbar Team.



“Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return.” - Jonathan Sacks (Optimism to Hope)

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 (Keshet), Julie Scheingoltz (Religious School), Rebecca Stanier-Shulman (Overtown Optimist Club), Suzie Sponder (Chapman Xmas Eve Mitzvah Project), Judith Stopek (Homestead), Allison Weinstein (Dunbar School), Tom Wharton, Paula Xanthopoulou (Chair).