TIKKUN OLAM
Tikkun Olam is Judaism’s ancient imperative to “repair the world”—often loosely translated as social action and social justice projects, combined.
Our identity has always been closely tied to social justice. Makom Solel Lakeside has many groups devoted to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tzedakah (justice) including Just Congregations, Co-sponsoring a Refugee Family, PADs, Congregational Blood Drive and Mitzvah Day Task Force. Social justice is woven into our every day practice of Judaism, as generations come together to work on important issues including gun violence, affordable housing and mental health care.
In the Chicago area—across the Reform Movement and beyond—our dream is to be known as a Tikkun Olam Leader.
No matter your age, interest, or past involvement, there are many opportunities for you to join in our Tikkun Olam initiatives, projects, and programs.
Our work reflects a wide range of congregational interests and issues - including, but not limited to, gun violence prevention, anti-racism, refugees, hunger, and the environment (through our Green Makom Committee). We are a proud member of Religious Action Center through the Union for Reform Jusaism, (RAC-IL) -with whome we have partnered on such initiatives as or Civic Engagement Campaign, resulting in over 3500 postcards from our congregation along to prospective voters, and Racial Injustice Initiatives.
That said, we do not only strive to "repair the world" nationally. We are active in RAC-IL at the state level, Jewish Council of Urban Affairs (JCUA) at the Chicago level, Lake County United at the county level, and in our own congregation with several caring initiatives-including but not limited to our gratitude projects.
We would love to se you there!
If you have any questions or would like to get more involved, contact either of our Tikkun Olam Committee co-chairs-Linda Muskin; lmuskin@gmail.com and Sharon Stein; sstein24@gmail.com
How To Get Involved
During the year, Lev Learning, congregants, and clergy offer other opportunities to participate in Tikkun Olam experiences. These have included (but are not limited to): Bernie’s Book Bank, Cradle to Crayons, and Community Partners for Affordable Housing. Check our Calendar for updates.
We educate and provide many opportunities for congregants to roll up their sleeves:
Day of Action- a day where the entire Makom community gets together and participates in various Tikkun Olam activities. This is one-stop shopping where you can learn about how to get involved with green initiatives, get out the vote campaigns, Lev learning, Chesed Circle, DEI and support for refugees.
Green Group—affect change in our home and learn how to be better stewards of the earth. See Green Group page.
Combating hunger
Beth Emet Soup Kitchen—Every Wednesday evening since 2002, Beth Emet has opened its doors to members of our community in need of a nutritious dinner. Volunteer your time and talent to help prepare and serve meals, donate non-perishable foods and supplies.
Maot Chitim—pack and deliver food boxes for celebrating key Jewish holidays.
Preventing Gun Violence
MASK (Mothers and Men Against Senseless Killings)—join a group of caring individuals in a Chicago neighborhood to hang out on the block, cook food, and emanate love—in the spirit of putting eyes on the streets and interrupting violence and crime.
Moms Demand Action—participate in the local chapter of this grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.
Lake County United–an independent, nonpartisan organization of churches, synagogues, mosques, civic, and non-profit institutions across Lake County fighting together for the common good. Get involved in “Do Not Stand Idly By” an initiative to reduce violence by making guns smarter and safer.
Civic Engagement with Partner Organizations
Religious Action Center–Washington, D.C.-based social justice lobbying arm of the Union for Reform Judaism—participate in a variety of actions including voter turnout, DEI training, civil rights and anti-semitism adovacy, etc.
RAC-IL (Religious Action Center-IL)—a cohort of Illinois Reform congregations focused on building a more just and compassionate Land of Lincoln for all. Campaigns include fair housing, immigration reform and elimination of money bonds.
JCUA–Jewish Council on Urban Affairs is working to transform the Chicago-area into a place free of poverty, racism and antisemitism, by mobilizing the Jewish community to be a powerful voice for economic and racial justice.
Immigration and Refugees
RefugeeOne—RefugeeOne provides all new arrivals with a furnished apartment, as well as cultural orientation and comprehensive family adjustment services. We also help them learn English, prepare for the American workforce, and find jobs. Help newly arrived refugee families by providing services such as mentors, drivers and tutors. In addition, participate in collecting needed products like cleaning and school supplies.
HIAS–Leader among programs in our community assisting people through immigration and citizenship process. They provide an array of comprehensive, cost-effective immigration and citizenship services designed to help refugees settle in their community, find stability and raise their children with a sense of belonging in their new country.
Refugee Free Store at Holy Cross in Deerfield, IL–Strives to ensure that each family has its urgent needs met with basic furniture, beds and bedding, computer, phone, kitchenware and appliances, clothing and footwear, cleaning supplies, diapers, toiletries, and groceries as needed. Volunteer to organize merchandise and help refugees select the items they need.
First Generation Students
Waukegan to College–Formed in 2008 with the help of Lake County United, Waukegan to College was formed to help first-generation college bound students gain entry to and graduate from college. So far, they have 200+ scholars and 52 college graduates. All of this was accomplished with the help of hundreds of volunteers acting as tutors and mentors.
Tue, April 23 2024
15 Nisan 5784
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