Tikkun Olam (Social Action)

“Justice, justice, you shall pursue.” (Deut 16:20)

Beit Haverim promotes, facilitates and shares in diverse social action activities in response to the core principle of Jewish ethics: Tikkun Olam – mending the world. As we pursue the important work of creating a better world, we strengthen the relationships within our congregation and broaden our connections to other communities. In doing so, we develop a better awareness and understanding of our responsibility to each other. We show that we care, mentor our children and create meaningful change.  All are invited and encouraged to participate in the work of social justice.

Beit Haverim has a longstanding commitment to social action – setting in motion the ideals and values of our traditions through deeds of justice and compassion. Our activities include organizing various drives throughout the year and providing support to needy members of our community through targeted programs.

CURRENT PROJECT: 
Help Raise Funds with the Bottle Drop Program
Beit Haverim encourages our community members to collect and return empty bottles and cans as part of the Oregon Bottle Drop program. The proceeds of these redeemed cans and bottles will be part of a Tikkun Olam project undertaken by our de Asis Family Religious School students in the new school year. Here's how you can participate in the Bottle Drop program:

1. Grab a blue plastic Bottle Drop bag from the temple (you’ll find them on the bookshelf by the prayer books).
2. Collect empty bottles and cans and fill your blue bag. Plastic, aluminum, and glass can all go in the same bag. No need to sort!
3. Bring them to a designated drop-off location, scan the bag tag to open the secure Drop Door, and insert your blue bag.
(For locations, click here. Enter your zip code and select “Drop Green or Blue Bags.”)
4. That’s it! Beit Haverim earns 10¢ per item, on average about $7 to $8 per bag

ONGOING PROJECTS
Blood Drive:
Beit Haverim works with the American Red Cross to collect blood for those in need.  Check our calendar or newsletter for the next blood drive, and please consider donating.  It takes just a short amount of time and YOU can save up to THREE LIVES with your donation of a pint of blood.

Please contact Dena Gutterman for details of how to schedule your donation.

Annual Food Drive:
Beit Haverim members and guests gathered 508 lbs of food during our most recent, annual High Holy Days Food Drive.  We are so pleased to be able to contribute to the food needs of our neighbors. Thanks to everyone who donated. Please do so again this year during the upcoming High Holy Days.

Thanksgiving Basket Drive:
Each year, Beit Haverim helps gather food for Thanksgiving baskets collected and distributed by Jewish Family & Child Services. In past years we have collected enough so that 150 families would be able to have an abundant Thanksgiving dinner, and we surpassed our goal by collecting 162 packets of gravy mix.  Just wait till next year!

Sandwich Project:
Students in our Religious School roll up their sleeves,  put on their plastic gloves, and work hard to make sandwiches for hungry homeless people. The children then bag the sandwiches with an apple to make a nice meal.  A  couple of wonderful school moms took the sandwiches downtown to deliver them in time to be handed out for dinners.  We will do so again this year, with the help of Religious School parents and helpful students.

If you want to be a part of our wonderful Tikkun Olam committee, please contact office@beithav.org.

PAST PROJECTS INCLUDE:

• Red Cross Blood Drive
• West Linn Food Pantry
• Sunshine Food Pantry
• Jewish National Fund Collections for Trees For Israel
• PAWTeam Supply Drive
• Men’s shelter dinners
• Household Item donations to Hand to Hand (Jewish Federation of Portland) for those in need
• Backpacks for Refugee Children
• Nothing But Nets
• Ideas and suggestions are always welcome

For more information about any programs and to become involved, please contact office@beithav.org.