A community can accomplish more than a single individual. At Temple Israel, we live into our social justice mission by organizing around pressing issues of interest to groups of members.
We are active participants in the Interfaith Council of Franklin County. We do advocacy, education and practical action in areas from energy efficiency to direct support for vulnerable populations.
Active groups are working now in the following areas:
Tikkun Olam Circle
The Tikkun Olam (in Hebrew means “repair the world”) Circle at Temple Israel Greenfield is an initiative, begun in 2020, bringing people together who feel a responsibility to learn, share, and work toward racial and social justice. We are in a particular and powerful moment— climate crisis, pandemic, racial justice uprisings, and rising white nationalism, which has its roots in anti-semitism. Oppressive systems of the past are alive in the policies, institutions, and norms of today, now unveiled.
As individuals with intersectional identities, we acknowledge our participation in systems of privilege and oppression, and commit to doing our part to dismantle those systems. We focus on education, activism, and advisement to the Temple Israel community.
Invitation to become a member or visit:
The Tikkun Olam Circle is a diverse intergenerational group that welcomes all. We understand that people have different backgrounds and interests, and we learn from each other. We address issues of racial and social justice both in our local community and across the country.
Our style of meetings provides for listening, sharing, and participation of everyone. Anyone interested can contact Alyssa Bauer alyssa (at) templeisarelgreenfield.com. Notes from previous meetings and other resource materials are shared. We meet twice a month on Sunday afternoons. If we meet in person, a hybrid meeting with Zoom is always an option.
“Who is wise? One who learns from all.
Who is honored? One who honors others.”
–Pirkei Avot 4:1
Refugee Support
The Refugee Support Project is an interfaith community group based at Temple Israel which is working to help refugees in Syria as well as immigrants locally.
Gleaners
The gleaners are a group of locals who harvest at a commercial farm after the main harvest is taken. These over abundant crops are picked and distributed to food banks and meal providers throughout the harvest season. Contact rabbi (@)templeisraelgreenfield.org to get onto the gleaners announcement list for Sunday morning gleans.
Skillful Communication
Our rabbi is a trained Compassionate Listening facilitator and has brought that skill to our internal conversations. We offer periodic practice sessions in CL to enhance a culture of healthy communication, for personal and organizational development. We have also brought this skill to bear on issues of wider community interest, in support of civil discourse.
Community Meals
Temple Israel is an active and frequent participant in several community meal programs throughout the year. We cook, serve, eat and celebrate with other churches and organizations who together constitute the dynamic food justice network in Franklin County.