Social Action

Tikkun olam — "repairing the world" is a hallmark of Reform Judaism as we strive to bring peace, freedom, and justice to all people.

Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation Beth Israel, and Congregation Shir Ami present the Second Annual MLK Social Justice Weekend

Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue
January 18-20, 2019

As we consider Dr. King’s legacy and aim to understand how to respond Jewishly to important topics in the American public sphere, “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue” will be an opportunity to reflect on Torah values regarding racial justice, learn about current issues and events from various perspectives, and respond by putting our values into action.

Learn More

 

Residents of Community First! Village Enjoy Dinner Along With Knitted Gifts in 2018


On Dec. 18, Temple Beth Shalom's annual Knitzvah delivery included delivery of a special dinner to residents, too! Both the delivery and the dinner were a huge success.

Thank you to dinner organizers Judi Lefton and Carol Brown, and the following volunteers: Marcia Bernstein & Arnold Lopez Cepero, Mary Lou & Bob Batlan, Mona & David Carver, Sandy Dochen, Joan Edelstein & Eddie Astrich, Amy Fintel, Jeannie Hutchinson, Ann & Dave Kocher, Kathy Lindauer, Ilene Novy, Leslie Otis, Judy & Bob Polanski, Elyse Rosenberg, Jeri & Paul Saper, Susan & Arnie Slive, Nancy Wolf and Russ Apfel.

See more photos of the event!

 

 

 

Service and Advocacy are who we are and what we do here at Temple Beth Shalom. We have two committees, Community Service and Advocacy, that organize a number of wonderful ongoing projects, as well as periodic events, throughout the year. 
 
The Community Service Committee meets monthly to fine tune projects we're working on. We encourage you to join us! Your participation in Service and/or Advocacy at Temple Beth Shalom will allow you to help heal the world, make new friends, and feel really good... we promise! 
 
Our Social Justice Fellow, Lori Adelman, works with the Austin Reform Jewish community to create a sustainable formal structure for us to work together on social justice issues. Learn more about Lori and her work with our community.
 
Interested in service or volunteer opportunities? Please visit our Volunteer page or check out our current projects below.

 

 

 

 

Current Projects

 
Family Eldercare

Offer relief and support to family caregivers by providing 
care to their loved ones in the home. 
Interfaith Hospitality Network Setting up/tearing down bedrooms, meal service/prep,
playing with children and helping them with homework,
and staying overnight with guest families.
Knitzvah Knitting/crocheting hats,scarves, and gloves for those
in need in Austin.
Meals on Wheels Deliver meals to homebound elderly, disabled and needy individuals.
Mitzvah on Wheels A project to eliminate transportation barries that prevent
some of our members from fully participating in Temple Life.
Mental Illness Interested in issues of Mental Illness? Contact Ilene Gray
or Laraine Lasdon for details about trainings, meetings,
NAMI Sponsored walks, and more!
Mitzvah Projects Special projects in our religious and Hebrew school as well
as our students b'nai mitzvah projects.
Mobile Loaves and Fishes Preps/serves food and creates micro-homes for the homeless

Women's Storybook Project

 Record mothers at Gatesville prison reading a book to
each of their children and then send the book and CD
or tape with the mother’s voice to the child.