Social Justice

Through our Social Justice work,
we endeavor to Repair the World - Tikkun Olam.

Our concern for the vulnerable, the pursuit of justice, not remaining indifferent, strengthening bonds of understanding, and a vision for the next generations are Jewish values that guide our Social Justice work as we seek to leave the world better than how we found it.

We will pursue these values through two important and interconnected efforts: Social Action and Civic Engagement.

At Temple Beth El, Social Action + Civic Engagement = Social Justice

Our Temple’s strategic plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2023, describes the relationship between these efforts in a helpful and meaningful way. Our work of Social Action, helping meet people’s needs today with fundraising, supplies collection, and raising awareness of important causes, will continue and grow. We have added to that our work of Civic Engagement, advocating for a vision of our community grounded in and inspired by our Reform Jewish values, through things like ballot initiatives, lobbying elected officials, and partnering and collaborating with other organizations to amplify our voice and our influence.

Social Action

Through Social Action, we endeavor to address people's needs today.

Our signature social action program is The Giving Tree, a community-wide program which helps low-income and homeless children, families and seniors. Today, we help thousands of people all year long. The Giving Tree provides clothing, essential personal items, school supplies, and school uniforms to help eliminate some of the many insecurities faced by this population on a daily basis through Quiet Giving. In 2024, the annual Holiday Project served close to 2000 recipients referred by over 20 local service agencies throughout Palm Beach County each year.

We have also partnered with organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, Gift of Life, and Magen David Adom to raise awareness and funds for their important causes, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, gleaned produce for local food pantries, and collected supplies for disaster relief.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement is work that seeks to have long-term impact. It includes elements of organizing, public advocacy and action.

Over the past few years, we have answered our tradition’s call to advocate for a better world, as we stood up for marriage equality, supported voting rights for returning citizens who had repaid their debt to society, formed an Israel Response Task Force after October 7th, and most recently stood in support of reproductive rights.

Our teens learn about civic engagement and how to advocate for issues that are important to them. They have participated in the Religious Action Center (RAC)’s Teen Justice Fellowship, lobbied United States Congresspeople during L’Taken Teen Experience, and lobbied our Florida Representatives for gun safety measures in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting.

Ongoing civic engagement initiatives include Racial Equity, Voter Engagement, Candidates’ Forum, and LGBTQ+ Pride.

Values & Core Positions

Inspired by the five Jewish values of concern for the vulnerable, the pursuit of justice, not remaining indifferent, strengthening bonds of understanding, and a vision for the next generations, our Social Justice work will seek meaningful change guided by thirteen core positions.

Social Justice Circles

Is there an issue or topic you are passionate about that is aligned with our Jewish values? If you are a Temple Beth El member, you can join a Social Justice Circle, where you will have the opportunity to make real change in our community.