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Social Action Committee

Social Action Committee

   "If justice and righteousness defines 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
 
   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 education and dialogue, advocacy, and direct service around the following priorities of Loving Kindness.
   1. Combatting hunger and homelessness. This includes our congregation’s long term relationship with ALIVE! and Carpenter's Shelter, our Good Deeds Day service projects, and our upcoming MLK 2020 Day of Service meal packing event.
   2. Anti-racism, with a special focus on restorative justice in our education and criminal justice systems, and building our relationship with Alfred Street Baptist Church.
   3. Refugee and immigrant support, in partnership with HIAS and other NoVA synagogue social action committees.
   4. Citizenship engagement, including voter registration and partnership with other congregations on candidate forums.
   5. Gun violence prevention, in the interest of the very Jewish value of preserving life.
   6. Muslim-Jewish dialogue and anti-bigotry work, including our relationship with a local mosque.
   Get involved: Contact Committee Chair Katherine Allen at socialaction@agudasachim-va.org.
 

Resources on Refugees and Immigrants

   "You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt." --Exodus 23:9
 
Welcoming the Stranger: Our Role as Jews in the Global Refugee Crisis With Rabbi Rachel Grant Meyer, Director of Education at HIAS:
   "As Jews, we are obligated to perform the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim -- welcoming the stranger. We brought that roommate from the West Coast home for Thanksgiving during college; we continue to open our Shabbat tables to friends and co-workers who are new in town. But what is our role in welcoming strangers on an international scale? What does Judaism have to say about our responsibility to welcome refugees to our country?"
 
National Letter Calling for Welcoming Refugees
   Signed by Rabbi Steven Rein along with more than 1,500 Rabbis

 

HIAS

www.hias.org

The global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees whose lives are in danger for being who they are. To volunteer with HIAS, visit:
•   English language conversation partner
•   ENL/ESL Tutor
•   Program support volunteer
•   Career & College mentor
•   Volunteer translation & interpretation
 

Congregation Action Network/Faith in Action

Member congregations in the DC/MD/VA region provide support and practical assistance to neighbors, friends, and family who fear being detained, deported or profiled. 
 

Just Neighbors

Provides immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees in Virginia.
 

Lutheran Social Services

Resettles displaced refugees and provided them wellness and health education and other practical services.
 

Gun Violence Prevention

For information and to get involved, click here.

 

Contact us with questions or to discuss ways to get involved. Click the links below to find out how to help!
 
Social Action Committee Activities, 2016-2018
Sun, January 26 2020 29 Tevet 5780