What does Social Action mean for Jews?
Tikkun Olam – the Hebrew translates as ‘healing’ or ‘perfecting’ the world and instils a shared responsibility in the welfare of society at large. This can be expressed in a wide variety of personal and creative ways: helping others, looking after our environment, addressing diverse human rights and varied social challenges.
Gemilut Chasadim – the Hebrew phrase means ‘the giving of loving-kindness’ which knows no bounds. It teaches the art of giving without an expectation to receive something material in return. Acts of kindness are engraved in a Jewish way of life, where individuals aspire to give selflessly of their time and of themselves.
Tzedek – the Hebrew translates as ‘righteousness’ and ‘justice’ and amongst other aspects manifests itself through social action and acts of loving-kindness; not because it feels good but because the Jewish faith educates that it is the right thing to do.
Mitzvah Day 2017:
Links:
Jewish Social Actions:
JCORE – a Jewish voice on Race and Asylum issues: www.jcore.org.uk
Being Green and Jewish – Connecting Judaism to the environment. Many useful articles and ideas for how to put Tikkun Olam into practice: www.biggreenjewish.com
Tzedek’s vision is of a Jewish community actively involved in the reduction of extreme poverty. www.tzedek.org.uk
World Jewish Relief – Its aims: Relieving poverty, building sustainable livelihoods, community development, disaster response: www.worldjewishrelief.org
Local Social Actions:
Tackling food poverty: www.charity-link.org
Bone-marrow register: www.rikbasra.com
Supporting asylum seekers and refugees: www.cityofsanctuary.com