As Jews, we are obligated to perform G'milut Chasadim—acts of righteousness—and Tikkun Olam—repairing the world.  The Tikkun Olam Committee is dedicated to educating and activating the Temple Ner Tamid congregation to take action in meaningful ways to address unmet needs locally, nationally, and around the world.  Our efforts span social action and advocacy, public education and direct service projects. Here are a few of the initiatives that the Committee is currently engaged in and there is so much more to do!  If there is something here that spurs your motivation to make things better in the world, contact Andy Dwyer at andy@thedwyerlawfirm.com.

SOCIAL ACTION

Genocide in Darfur:  TAKE ACTION

Since February 2003, a government backed militia known as Janjaweed has been engaging in a genocidal campaign to wipe out communities of African tribal farmers in Darfur, Sudan. Millions of people now live in displacement camps lacking adequate food, water, shelter, healthcare and sanitation. Hundreds are dying in Sudan every day as the world waits. It has been more than a year since Congress declared genocide in Darfur.  In addition to attending and supporting initiatives listed under upcoming events on this website you can:

• Urge your members of Congress to support critical legislation to end the genocide in Sudan. Send a letter to show support in numbers. CLICK HERE for a sample letter. Sample form letters as well as phone scripts can be found at http://savedarfur.org/go.php?q=takeActionNow/advocacyTools.html. To find out more about efforts save Darfur by the American Jewish World Service go to http://www.ajws.org. More information is also available at www.savedarfur.org. To connect with your legislators and the President go to: www.whitehouse.gov/contact, www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.

• Join with other members of Temple Ner Tamid and other area congregations to meet with members of Congress to continue to press this issue and gain support for this legislation. Contact Jeff Plaut at jplaut@globalstrategygroup.com.  

Marriage Equality for Gays and Lesbians:  TAKE ACTION

As American Jews, civil rights is an issue of critical concern. Same sex couples are being denied the legal rights, benefits, protections and obligations conferred upon heterosexual couples who enter into civil marriage. The proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution would restrict marriage to the union of a man and a woman. Such an amendment would enshrine discrimination into our social fabric.  In addition to attending and supporting initiatives listed under upcoming events on this website you can:

• Write your local legislator to advocate for same sex marriage as a person of faith. Download this letter or write your own. To connect with your legislators and the President go to: www.whitehouse.gov/contact, www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.

Direct Service:  TAKE ACTION

• HURRICANE VICTIM RELIEF
  Since Hurricane Katrina struck in September 2005 the Temple community has collected items for displaced victims and is currently supporting a gift card drive organized by the Union For Reform Judaism. To find out more go to http://urj.org/relief/giftcards/index

• BOOK DRIVE to support Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School
  This K - 8th grade elementary school just outside of New Orleans absorbed an additional 400 children after Hurricane Katrina brought devastation to the area. With the help of the religious school at Temple Ner Tamid, we will be collecting chapter books for each grade. 

• INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK
  Once again, Temple Ner Tamid will open its doors to our neighbors in need of temporary housing.  This year, we will be hosting families the week of December 18th.  Volunteer to cook a meal, work an evening or overnight shift and make these families nights a bit brighter.  Contact Anne Gorfinkel at agorfinkel@comcast.net.

Chesed/Caring


The Chesed/Caring Committee is a committee of volunteers that branch out within the temple community to help people in need. We might go to a shiva minyan, or drive someone to a service. We have volunteers who will drop off a meal, or just visit someone who is lonely. Our goal is to provide the temple community with a caring service when needed. If this is appealing to you, please feel free to join our meetings—we meet 4-6 times a year—or email Susan Goldstein at sgolds4727@aol.com.

Israel & Overseas Committee


The Israel/Overseas Committee is focusing on educating members about Israel and Jewish communities throughout the world as well as supporting Israel. Other activities will include focusing on current Israeli plans for a constitution and working on a Temple trip to Israel.

To learn more about the current conditions in Israel, click here.

Contact Bart Mandell at askbart@aol.com.