The Prophet Amos reminds us that our mission, as Jews, is to “let justice flow like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” At Congregation Beth Israel, these are more than words – they are a call to action.

 

Throughout the year, we provide a variety of ways for our members to get involved in our work of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Below is a list of our current Social Justice initiatives. If you would like more information about joining one of our committees, or taking part in any of these events, please contact:

 

Rabbi Mark J. Miller (mmiller@beth-israel.org)

 

Stefani Golub, Social Justice Committee co-chair (sshapiro@ssbplaw.com)

 

Greg Spier, Social Justice Committee co-chair (gregory.spier@jpmorgan.com)

 

 

**Current Social Justice Initiatives**

Mitzvah Day
Although we know that every day provides opportunities to do a mitzvah (good deed, or helping those in need), Congregation Beth Israel sets aside one day each year for Temple members to join together en masse to do important work throughout our city. Hundreds of volunteers choose from dozens of meaningful opportunities, and spend the day volunteering with family and friends.

 

Mitzvah Day is a huge project, with tremendous results. It is organized by our Mitzvah Day co-chairs – Jonee Barnett, Debra Butler, and Ross Altman.

 

 

The Metropolitan Organization (TMO)
TMO is a consortium of religious institutions around Houston engaged in large-scale issues that have an impact on our entire community, such as health care, education, public safety, and immigration (click on TMO of Houston for more information). As a member of TMO, Congregation Beth Israel offers its members not only the opportunity to connect with our neighbors in a meaningful way about public issues, but also the chance to organize our own members toward a common goal. Members of the TMO Committee are currently working on identifying and addressing the specific needs of seniors in our congregation, and take part in year-round advocacy as issues arise.

 

As part of our work with TMO, we have the honor of hosting an Interfaith Seder each year for clergy and members from churches around the city. This event allows us to share the joy and meaning of Passover with friends across the religious spectrum. Members of the Temple Board and Social Justice Committee serve as table hosts, providing insights into our tradition and encouraging conversation about our mutual yearning for liberation and freedom. Please check the Temple calendar for this year’s event (usually just before Passover begins).

 

Our TMO Committee is chaired by Sonny and Sharon Gerber.

 

 

Summer Internship Program
For more than 12 years, we have been offering youth at our Temple (over the age of 16) an opportunity to work in non-profit and social service agencies around Houston during the summer. Supported by the Temple’s Endowment Fund, we provide placement, mentoring, and a stipend for qualified youth in more than a dozen agencies. While giving important support to these agencies, our youth receive valuable insight into some of the meaningful work being done in our city, and learn more about how it might fit into their own long-term plans – either as a volunteer or even a career.

 

Our Summer Internship Committee is chaired by Janet Pozmantier and Joel Levine.

 

Christmas Day Volunteers

Each year, Temple members provide relief at several organizations so that our Christian neighbors might take advantage of their holiday. Watch for opportunities in the early Fall, as we organize our projects for the year.

 

 

Braes Food Pantry
Congregation Beth Israel supports the local food pantry by providing financial contributions and donations of non-perishable foods. There is always room for more involvement … hunger does not go away, and in the city of Houston, the majority of people fed by hunger programs are employed full-time at wages insufficient to cover basic living expenses.

 

 

SEARCH
SEARCH is a local organization that provides a range of services for the homeless. Homelessness is a persistent community issue, and support services are needed and appreciated. There are opportunities for Beth Israel to get more involved with SEARCH, for any Temple members who would like to do so.

 

 

JCC Meals on Wheels
Beth Israel helps provide drivers for the Meals on Wheels Program through the Jewish Community Center, and volunteers are always needed. A commitment may be as little as four (4) hours a month or as many as two (2) hours or more a week. The infirm and elderly need nutritious meals 365 days a year.

 

Disaster Relief
In times of local need and disaster, Beth Israel historically steps up to help the community and encourages its members to assist in whatever ways they can. In 2005, our congregation mobilized our members to help with the local Katrina/Rita disaster relief efforts—volunteering at various agencies, working at the Astrodome and the Convention Center evacuation centers, etc. Many in the New Orleans Jewish community came to Beth Israel for help. Shlenker School opened its classrooms to more than 40 displaced children. Many families stayed, making Beth Israel, Shlenker and Houston their home.