Social Justice
Tikkun Olam
The Dorothy Serotta Social Justice Forum of Temple Israel is committed to addressing issues that go to the heart of Tikkun Olam ("Repairing the World"). Our mission is to bring issues of concern to Temple members and friends, and to create opportunities to reach out to the greater community in advocacy of social justice.
Recent programs have included:
- Shabbat speakers on such topics as the state of civil liberties in Florida, repression in Zimbabwe, LGBT adoption, and Clergy Beyond Borders.
- Support of community programs such as the Homeless Assistance Center (HAC).
- Temple Israel Community Edible Garden, which provides produce to Lotus House in cooperation with the "Faith in the City" interfaith coalition.
The Committee meets every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm in the Temple offices. For further information or to participate, please contact Chairperson Gary Brown (belmede760@aol.com). Or simply join us at our next meeting!
Edible Garden - Delicious Tomatoes!
Edible Garden
The Edible Garden at Temple Israel is in its second season. The hard work by all those involved last year has allowed us to get in the ground earlier this year. The garden is 75% planted and needs regular tending to grow healthy and full crops. We have planted Collards, Kale, Swiss Chard, Lettuce, Broccoli, Beans, Radishes, Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, and Herbs. We will continue to replant as crops mature.
Volunteers are needed to weed, water, transplant, and pick vegetables on a weekly basis. David Galler, our intrepid gardener, is at the garden every Sunday from 8:30 to 10:30, and all are welcome to join him. Anyone who can volunteer mid-week for an hour also would be a big help. Initial training and an orientation to the garden layout will be provided by David.
We will begin delivering vegetables to Lotus House on a regular basis and need your help to continue this important community effort.
Contact David Galler, (617) 365-2728, david.galler@yahoo.com for further information about assisting with the garden.
Faith in the City
The temple was one of the founders of Faith in the City, a consortium of central city religious organizations. Temple leaders spoke out for gay rights, when few others were willing to do this.
