Tikun Olam - the imperative to repair the world - reflects the Jewish values of Justice (tzedakah), Compassion (hesed) and Peace (shalom).    The concept, originally formulated by Rabbi Isaac Luria in sixteenth century Safad, has come to symbolize the quest for social justice, freedom, equality, peace and the restoration of the environment.  It is a call to action - to repair the world through social action.  It recognizes that each act of kindness, no matter how small, helps to build a new world. 

            There are many ways to engage in Tikun Olam, many ways to give of our time and energy to help those in need.  One can visit the sick, cook for the homeless, give charity, engage in community efforts to restore a synagogue or a park.  We plan to present to you multiple options for action--both individual and community based initiatives so that you can join in the effort.

Volunteering

The JUF TOV Volunteer Network links volunteers to prospective volunteer opportunities both in the Chicago Jewish community and the larger community.   A full listing of opportunities can be found at the TOV website at www.juf.org/tov/index.asp.  The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs also has opportunities to become engaged in efforts to combat racism, poverty and anti-Semitism. Information is available at www.jcua.org.

August 2007

This Rosh Hashonah Kehillat Shalom will be raising funds for Package From Home, a non-profit organization that sends care packages to soldiers serving in the IDF. The mission of Package From Home is to strengthen the spirit and resolve of each Israeli soldier and to show appreciation for the sacrifices the soldiers are making in securing Israel’s safety and survival

There are three ways we will be contributing to Package From Home. You can send a New Year's greeting to members of the KS community. For $36.00 you can send a greeting to all the families in our community. Completed forms must reach me by Selichot on September 8.   This is a firm deadline.

The second way we are raising funds is by a "Best Book" swap. Please bring your 5 best books (per family) to Selichot services. They will be available for sale at $2.00 a book.

In addition, at Selichot services there will be materials available to write letters to IDF soldiers.  These letters are included in the packages.

All payments for New Year’s greetings must be made by check or though PayPal below.    

Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions.

Trudy Turner
Tikun Olam

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