Social Action
Social Action Committee
Transitions: Gratitude, Introduction and Welcome
Bruce Berkowitz and Ellen Van Den Berg have led our Social Action Committee with passion, drive, and commitment for the last six years! They have spent countless hours of their own time working hard to emphasize Tikkun olam and to provide quality, lively, programming for our congregation and the larger community. Both of them are stepping down at the end of December but will continue as active participants. We will miss their humor, positivity, and creative energies. We are enormously grateful for their contributions.
Under their leadership you will remember powerful events about criminal justice reform, white supremacy, gun violence, homelessness, single payer health, money bail, fire recovery, and many more.
My name is Judy Kay and I will be trying to fill those 4 big shoes beginning in January 2021 as the new chairperson. I would love to have your support and would like very much to know what you would like to see our committee pursue. You can reach me at jlkay@sonic.net.
Social Action Committee Accomplishments in 2020 – We still did a lot even with a pandemic!
- January Organize and Mobilize (with the congregation).
- February Bruce Berkowitz and Judy Kay went to Arizona with Swing Left and Indivisible canvassing door to door to register voters.
- February Committee members did door to door canvassing with NBOP
- February Presented Padi Selwyn, The End of the American Dream? (live event)
- April -June Several committee members working with The Religious Action Center of California met with various elected officials individually. Jim Wood, Mike Maguire, Marc Levine, Cecelia Aguiar-Curry, and Bill Dodd talked with us about specific issues, answered questions, and all welcomed us to come back.
- June Sent letters of outrage to various organizations and politicians with regard to the mismanagement of the Covid Crisis at San Quentin.
- August We presented Dr. John Mihalik, M.D. on the Climate Crisis
- July -August Entire committee worked with Reclaim the Vote and Ner Shalom on postcard, phone banking, and texting campaigns prior to the November election. We made calls to almost everyone in our congregation.
- September Forum with Senator Mike Maguire on current topic
- October Proposition Forum prior to the November election.
- December Winter Clothing Drive for clients of Elisha’s Pantry.
Ongoing and Annual SAC Projects
Elisha’s Pantry
We partner with Christ United Methodist Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church to distribute food every Thursday afternoon to residents in need from the local area. The pantry which is at 1717 Yulupa Avenue is open on Thursday afternoons. To volunteer or learn more please contact Lien Cibulka, liencib@gmail.com.
Yom Hashoah
Every spring, the Social Action Committee hosts an observance of the Holocaust Day of Remembrance and invites the public to attend. A candle lighting ceremony remembers the six million Jews and others (Gypsy/Roma, LGBT, Righteous Gentiles, political prisoners, the disabled) who were killed by the Nazi regime. SAC also remembers victims of genocides in America, Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur, with candle lighters and speakers.
Rabbi Michael Robinson Memorial Lecture
This annual lecture honors CST’s founding rabbi, Michael Robinson. In honor of his inspirational social activism, we present speakers who share Rabbi Michael’s passion for human rights and social justice.
Other Projects
Our Social Action Committee presents ongoing film events, forums, and panel discussions highlighting current issues. Past programs have addressed criminal justice reform, homelessness, election concerns, gun violence, money bail, immigration issues, the climate crisis and much more. If there is an issue of specific importance to you, please let our group know.
Social Action Resources
The Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, California is a valuable resource with up-to-date analyses of key social justice topics through a Jewish lens. The RAC also has action guides for urgent social issues specifically within our state. https://rac.org/take-action/rac-your-state/rac-ca.
Wed, February 24 2021
12 Adar 5781
The Congregation Shomrei Torah Social Action Committee was founded over 30 years ago with the intent to put the principles of social justice and tikkun olam into action by creating programs and events that support the mission of the congregation.
We are a committee of over 20 people who are dedicated to making our community a better place for all. We meet on the first Monday of every month at 7:00pm (currently on Zoom). New folks and ideas are always welcome, please join us!
For more information or for the Zoom link, contact Judy Kay jlkay@sonic.net.
Upcoming Social Action Events
Please note that during the pandemic, some SAC events events may be impacted. Please contact the office for more information.
There are no upcoming events at this time.