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Social Action Committee

Social Action Committee

"If justice and righteousness define what it means to be a Jew, then we must constantly search for ways to implement our values. If it’s the foundation of our covenant, we cannot say, 'I tried, I did my share.' Rather, every day we have to wake up and ask, 'Is there something that I can do? Is there something that I didn’t do? Is there something that I could try again?'”

--Rabbi Steven Rein, Kol Nidre Sermon, 2017

Special Focus 5783: Equity, Fairness, and Social Justice

The mission of the Social Action Committee of Agudas Achim is to create opportunities for Agudas Achim members to perform Tikkun Olam (Reparing the World), Tzedakah (Righteous Giving), and Gemilut Chasadim (Deeds of Loving Kindness). With the news events over the past year, these are needed more than ever. Our events engage congregants in:
  1. Advocacy: We actively promote non-partisan civic engagement and lobby for socially responsible legislative change. Topics include guaranteeing reproductive freedom, protecting democratic institutions, and reducing gun violence.
  2. Direct Action: We sponsor programs that make an impact on people's lives and the environment.  Topics include assisting refugees, food security, and protecting the environment.
  3. Education: We partner with organizations that promote greater awareness of opportunities to right the world's wrongs and the importance of equality for all. Topics include fighting racism and understanding the basic commonalities amongst all people.
SOCIAL ACTION VOLUNTEER EVENTS

The SAC sponsors a range of advocacy, direction action, and education events during the year. Amongst this year's activities are:

  • Fall: Voter Registration and Get Out the Vote for Virginia elections
  • Kol Nidre: Operation Isaiah food collection
  • November 14: PowerPack food collection
  • November 21: Apple Gleaning
  • January 16, 2023: MLK Day of Service Meal Packing
  • March 2023: Purim food collection
  • April 2023: Good Deeds Day
  • June 19, 2023: Junteenth

   Get involved! All are welcome to our monthly Zoom committee meetings that are typically scheduled on the second Thursday of each month. Contact Committee Chair Mark Kutner for the Zoom information.

Our Social Action Book and Movie Club is also held monthly; contact Deborah Rosen for the Zoom information.

Mission
   The goal of the Social Action Committee of Agudas Achim is to create opportunities for Agudas Achim members to perform Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Tzedakah (Righteous Giving), and Gemilut Chasadim (Deeds of Loving Kindness). We provide opportunities for our membership to engage in social justice adn direct service around the following priorities :
   1. Combatting hunger and homelessness, including through our partnerships with ALIVE! and Yachad, and our annual MLK Day of Service projects.
   2. Anti-racism, including sustaining our relationship with Alfred Street Baptist Church.
   3. Citizenship engagement, including voter registration and partnership with other congregations on candidate forums.
   4. Refugee and immigrant support, in partnership with HIAS and other NoVA synagogue social action committees.
   5. Our committee also values and has engaged in activities to prevent gun violence and combat bigotry through Muslim-Jewish dialogue.
Social Action Committee Activities
Special Focus 5782: Local Community Activism
Special Focus 5781: Welcoming All Jewish Cultures
Special Focus 5780: Year of Song and Service
Special Focus 5779: Refugees and Immigrants 
Special Focus 5778: Safe Spaces
Special Focus 5777: Racial Injustice
 
Resources for B'nai Mitzvah Projects
 
Sun, October 2 2022 7 Tishrei 5783