Ohel Tzedek (Social Justice)
Ohel Tzedek (Social Justice)
Rabbi Stephanie Kolin Honored by the Jewish Daily Forward
As One of the Sisterhood 50, America's Most Influential Women Rabbis.
July 22, 2010
Our own Rabbi Stephanie Kolin has been honored as part of a list compiled by the Jewish Daily Forward of "50 Female Rabbis Who Are Making a Difference." Her fellow GBIO Rabbi Toba Spitzer, of Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, and GBIO ally Rabbi Sharen Cohen Anisfeld, Dean of Hebrew College, were also honored among the 50.
Social Justice at Temple Israel
Ohel Tzedek: Tent of Justice
"Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue" - Deuteronomy 16:20
Getting involved in Ohel Tzedek ("Tent of Justice"), Temple Israel's social justice initiative, is a great way to make meaningful connections within our community. We engage in grassroots organizing to address the root causes of injustice through building relationships within and outside of our congregation and engaging in a variety of issues which reflect our values and our stories. All are always welcome to be a part of social justice in this community. This year, we are currently engaged in the following issue areas, although this list grows and evolves as we do:
Transgender Legislation
We are currently working to ensure the passage of current legislation which would designate assault against transgender individuals as a hate crime and would make it illegal by Massachusetts state law to fire an individual because of their gender expression or identity. Temple Israel members have lobbied their legislators and helped to make our own community a safe space for everyone. To get involved, please contact Shari Friedman or Karen Roberts.
One of our sacred partnerships with Bethel AME Church members is AMETI - joining our two communities as we work together to address the humanitarian needs of the Sudan region. We just celebrated the miraculous opening of a school for girls in the Akon Village, a project of My Sister's Keeper, with whom we work on these issues. To get involved, please contact Fran Godine.
Direct Service Work
Some of our exciting social action opportunities include work with the Greater Boston Food Bank (contact Sue Misselbeck), Jewish Family & Children's Services Family Table (contact Michael Malamut) volunteering in a literacy program at the Patrick O'Hearn School in Dorchester (contact Rhea Bufferd ) and serving food at Sunday's Bread at the Church of St. John the Evangelist (contact Mike Fishbein).
Other Ongoing Issues:
To get involved in issues such as school bullying and eldercare, or to learn more about social justice at Temple Israel in general, please contact social justice co-chairs, Cindy Rowe or Nick Decaneas, our amazing and talented social justice organizer, Ilana Lerman, or Rabbi Matthew Soffer.