To establish a new vision for social justice engagement at Temple Beth Am and develop a collaborative structure for bringing that vision to life. Our work took place over the course of Beth Am’s 70th anniversary year, from Spring 2025 through Spring 2026 and included:
We also conducted in-depth interviews with current Tzedek leaders, former leaders who have stepped back, and members who care about justice but haven’t yet engaged in Beth Am’s social justice work.
The centerpiece of our efforts was the Tzedek House Parties — intimate living-room conversations held in homes across our community. These honest, generative discussions were about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what’s needed. They were, very much in the Beth Am way, relational — and they built real community.
Tzedek is in our DNA. Social justice is not an add-on at Beth Am — it is a fundamental Jewish obligation, deeply rooted in our 70-year history and in the teachings from this bimah. Our community wants an empathetic, lifelong practice, not a short-term gesture.
“Tzedek should be a cornerstone of our lives.”
People want to work on the issues that matter most right now. The top priorities named by our community were protecting democracy, housing and affordability, and immigrant and refugee justice — followed by climate change, interfaith relationships, food insecurity, and combating antisemitism.
“Try to identify shared values among people with different views.”
People want meaningful, flexible involvement. Our community wants direct, personal connection to the people they’re helping. They want real choices — multiple ways in, for people at different stages of life, with different skills, passions, and availability. And they want a community of practice that is truly multigenerational, where newer members learn from experienced leaders and young people work alongside longtime activists.
Communication matters. A recurring theme was the desire for clearer, more consistent outreach so that all of Beth Am hears about social justice opportunities and can participate.
“Everyone commits to at least one thing.”
“It’s hard for one person to work for social justice alone. I’m hoping to find inspiration from my community.”
The mezuzah marks the threshold between our private lives and the world outside — a reminder to carry our values with us wherever we go. In 5787, Temple Beth Am will launch the Mezuzah Initiative, building a Beit Tzedek together around three pillars:
Welcoming the Stranger. Centering the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim through refugee support, advocacy, and immigrant rights.
Dignity of Home. Supporting those standing at the threshold between instability and well-being through direct service with partners including Teen Feed, Tiny Homes, H2R, and more.
Protecting Our Civic Foundation. Advocacy, education, and direct action to defend democratic institutions and support meaningful civic participation.
The initiative will launch in 5787, between the Annual BBQ and Rosh Hashanah, and will include expanded leadership roles on the Tzedek Team, improved communications, a collaborative calendar with our multifaith partners, and more opportunities for impact and action.
“Houses which reflect human dignity must be provided with a mezuzah. — Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:9”
Wednesday August 5th, 6:30 PM: Tzedek Mezuzah Initiative Community Launch and Get Together 5787
All interested lay leaders welcome and invited to attend!
Please email rabbilaura@templebetham.org for more information and opportunities to connect
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