The Tikkun Olam Committee provides opportunities for congregants to learn about and fulfill the mitzvah of "repairing the world."  This is done through a variety of projects, resources, and learning opportunities.

• Our current ongoing projects include:
• 
  

• SOUP KITCHEN - Announcing a transition in the organization overseeing the dinner soup kitchen on Oxford Street:   Preble Street Resource Center is now the agency overseeing the dinner program at Oxford Street. Wayside is in the process of transitioning their meal serving program to other areas of the community to reach those who are hungry but may not come to the soup kitchen. Temple Beth El members are continuing to volunteer on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Oxford Street Soup Kitchen, where we have been volunteering. Volunteers from our congregation are still needed at this location from 5:30 to 7:15. The Tikkun Olam Committee is in contact with Wayside and will let everyone know of other opportunities for volunteering as they arise.  Upcoming soup kitchen dates: May 27, June 24, and July 22.
• COLLECTIONS FOR PREBLE STREET AND WAYSIDE FOOD RESCUE
  We are continuing to collect new white socks, towels, and personal care items, such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. during the summer months. Please also drop off food donations for the Wayside Food Rescue Program. The food pantries are in great need of food during summer months when children are home from school. Donations are being collected in the baskets in the lower foyer at Temple Beth El.

• Giving to one or more charities by registering your Shaw's card with Shaw's community rewards program. It's easy--here's how: go to www.shaws.com, click on "shaw's cares" then click on "community rewards", then register or log in using your shaw's reward card. You can allocate up to 3 non-profit organizations where a percentage of your purchases go when you shop on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Resource Binders: As a result recent Tikkun Olam Fairs, we have accumulated much information about volunteer opportunities in the community. This has been assembled into a binder which can be found in the office. Please feel free to stop by the office to check it out. A second binder has information about Tikkun Olam projects that B'nai Mitvah students have done.
• Habitat for Humanity: Several members of our TBE community participated in the Annual Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Walk, and raised funds to help pay for the interfaith house that is currently being finished for a family in Portland.  The 2010 walk is on May 23rd.  Click here details.

The committee meets approximately once every 6 or 8 weeks on a Sunday morning, or as needed.  Members of the committee currently include:  Barbara Peisner (Chair), Rena Becker, Matthew Goldfarb, Sharon Bresler, Sarah Muscat, Harlan Baker and Carolyn Turcio-Gilman.  If you would like to become more involved in the work of this Committee, please contact Barbara.