who we are

An important tenet of Reform Judaism is Tikkun Olam – making the world whole for the good of humanity. That is the central mission of Oak Park Temple’s Social Action committee. In emphasizing the "action" in social action, we are engaged in efforts that inform and move the community to advocate for and effect positive, measurable and meaningful change on local, national and international levels.

In recent years committee members have helped heal the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, raised awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur and advocated for accessible and affordable health care. 

what we do

Judaism teaches that helping fellow human beings in need, tzedakah, is not simply a matter of charity, but of responsibility, righteousness, and justice. The Social Action Committee offers Temple members various ways to contribute to the well-being of others in the Jewish community and beyond.

Social action committee reorganizes

In response to our recent temple-wide survey on social issues, and in order to work more effectively on behalf of Oak Park Temple, the Social Action Committee is reorganizing for the coming year into three task forces focused on gun control, immigration and community service. 

Deborah Kadin will head the task force on gun control, which will advocate statewide for a restrictive concealed-carry law and work to preserve the rights of local communities to pass common-sense gun regulations. 

Temple Board representative Martha Ackerman will head the immigration task force, maintaining ties with the House of Hospitality in Cicero and continuing to follow up on actions supporting/amending immigration reform legislation pending in Congress. 

Finally, the community service task force will seek ongoing service projects consistent with Jewish values in the nearby Austin neighborhood. 

All task forces will coordinate with the Community of Congregations where possible.

Temple members interested in lending their efforts and expertise to any of these task forces are welcome; for more information, contact Loren Williams, Chairman of the Social Action Committee, at lwilliams66@yahoo.com.

More about social action
at oak park temple

• Learn how you can participate in a variety of Social Action Opportunities at Oak Park Temple.
• Read about The RAC: The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. 

Mitzvah Day 2013 Aided Immigrants, OPT

Thanks to all who participated in Mitzvah Day 2013!

Despite a last-minute change in plans, Oak Park Temple members got a lot done: painting in the youth lounge, planting fresh flowers and weeding in the play area, quilt-making for donation, and collection/sorting of toiletries and clothes for recently released immigrants. Donations of clothing, toiletries and quilts to House of Hospitality in Cicero were greatly appreciated.

Thank you again to all involved, from the Social Action Committee.

letter to senator mark kirk
on immigration reform

Oak Park Temple seeks the passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation that is just, humane, and compassionate.

Throughout Jewish history we have been immigrants, and the Torah instructs us to treat the stranger in our midst fairly 36 times. (Many more times than any other instruction.)

The Oak Park Temple Board urges you to support the Immigration Bill that will be brought to the US Senate in June, 2013.  Please send the attached letter or your own text to Senator Mark Kirk.  He is looking for Jewish support.

The current Immigration Bill would be a huge step forward.  The bullet points in the letter point out areas that could be improved.

Please click here to download, sign and send our letter to Senator Mark Kirk pushing for immigration reform.
 

OAK PARK TEMPLE Welcomes rabbi david saperstein, OUR VOICE IN WASHINGTON

On February 3, 2013, Oak Park Temple was honored to have Rabbi David Saperstein, the director/general counsel of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, address our members and the Jewish community at large.  Rabbi Saperstein is pictured 2nd from left in the photo on the right with actor George Clooney during the National Day of Action for Sudan in Washington in March. (Photo courtesy of the Religious Action Center.)

The RAC is the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism, the organization that supports more than 900 congregations across North America and represents an estimated 1.5 million Jews.

For more than 30 years, Rabbi Saperstein has been our voice in the halls of Congress and at the White House. He has advocated strongly on issues that matter to Reform Jews, including reproductive choice, civil rights, LGBT equality, Darfur, the environment and Israel – and more. He is considered one of the most influential rabbis in the U.S., and no matter what the topic he always speaks truth to power.

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