Social Action

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At Temple Emanu-El, a central tenet of our faith involves the commitment to social action. We believe that our Torah commands us to provide food for the hungry and seek justice for the oppressed, and that our prophets compel us to look beyond ourselves and care for the community. Truly, by serving our fellow human beings, we also serve God.

Mission Statement: To invite the congregation to participate in Tikkun Olam 'repairing the world'."

Below are examples of just some activities organized by our Social Action committee:

High Holy Day Food Drive - Each year the temple donates thousands of pounds of food to All Faiths Food Bank coordinate by the Social Action Committee members.
Tzedakah Box - Located in the temple lobby, financial donations deposited into the box are designated for use by the Social Action Committee. Funds are used to support local shelters for abuses women and children as well as disaster response.
Community Donations - The Committee purchased two beautiful donation boxes located in the temple foyer. One box is for the collection of non-perishable food for Jewish Family and Children's Services. The second box is for the collection of clothing, toiletries, linens and household items for Resurrection House. Social Action Committee volunteers empty the boxes and deliver to the benefiting organizations. Toys and books are donated to children in Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The committee collects laptops and computer components in coordination with the 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem Program and the Sarasota Technology Users Group. The computers are thoroughly scrubbed and donated to foster children.
Backpack Program - This program is designed to aid elementary school children in need, along with their families, who are provided with food to eat on weekends.
Interfaith Feast of Abraham - St. Martha Catholic Church is the annual host for the Feast of Abraham. Members of Temple Emanu-El, the Islamic Center, and St. Martha Church are invited to participate. This provides an opportunity to socialize and to gain an understanding and respect for those of different religions.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute - Through this annual program, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King through readings, music, and community involvement.