Social Action Overview
Congregation Kol Ami’s Social Action Committee strives to involve our community in educational activities and causes that reflect the synagogue’s mission statement and commitment to “Tikkun Olum” - repairing the world. Through active leadership and participation in the Jewish and LGBT communities, locally as well as in the greater community and the world at large, we follow the Torah’s precept: Justice, justice, you shall pursue.
We welcome you to join in and contribute to our activities!
Delivering Sustenance: We volunteer and collect food pantry donations during the High Holy Days and throughout the year for SOVA, Jewish Family Services’ food distribution pantry for Los Angeles. Other activities have included volunteering at Project Chicken Soup, packaging and delivering meals to people with HIV and other life-threatening illnesses, and celebrating Thanksgiving by visiting and serving meals at Triangle Square, the LGBT Senior Housing Development in Hollywood.
Learn more about SOVA.
Tikun Olam
MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Congregation Kol Ami has been active in the pursuit of marriage equality for LGBT couples. During the Proposition 8 campaign, we hosted phone banks for No on Prop. 8 and congregants marched in rallies throughout the state. Our members also take part in committees such as Jews For Marriage Equality.
Our own Rabbi Eger has been a recognized leader in the pursuit of marriage equality. She performed the first same-sex marriage ceremony at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on May 16, 2008 after the Supreme Court decision legalizing such marriages. She also performed dozens of other same-sex marriages during the period before Proposition 8 ended same-sex legal marriages in California. She has been an outspoken proponent as a community leader, as well as promoting dialogue throughout faith and other communities through her involvement in California Faith For Equality’s sponsoring committee and Jews for Marriage Equality.
For more information on marriage equality:
Jews For Marriage Equality
California Faith For Equality
Equality California
No H8 Campaign
TZEDAKAH
Congregation Kol Ami’s Tzedakah Fund has contributed thousands of dollars over the years to support worthwhile causes in the spirit of the congregation’s social action mission. These charitable donations have afforded support to a wide and diverse group of domestic and international causes, reflecting Kol Ami’s commitment to Tikkun Olam. The links below highlight some of the supported causes selected by the Social Action Committee for the congregation’s Tzedekah donations.
Heifer International helps people around the world obtain a sustainable source of food and income.
The Jewish Federation Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund as well as other emergencie including the recent earthquake in Japan.
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Flood Relief
Israel Religious Action Center IRAC occupies a unique place in the social and religious landscape of Israel, infusing social justice advocacy with the spiritual energy and humane worldview of Progressive Judaism. IRAC, the
public and legal advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel, was founded in 1987 with the goals of advancing pluralism in Israeli society and defending the freedoms of conscience, faith, and religion.
IRAC uses litigation, legislation, public policy and advocacy to advance civic equality. These activities have established IRAC as a leading Jewish organization working to strengthen the democratic character of Israeli society.
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Jewish World Watch