Judaism began with a covenant between God and the Israelites.  We pledged ourselves to ground our lives on moral and spiritual commandments, and to help establish a civilization founded on justice, freedom and peace.  Observing these commandments is essential to living a Jewish life.

We are proud that here at Temple Beth Or our members strongly support the spirit of tikkun olam - literally world repair - through their efforts throughout the year, only some of which are noted below.

Volunteers are cooking meals to be frozen for MACOA (Montgomery Area Council on Aging) one day a month in the Temple kitchen. Some of our members also deliver meals through the MACOA Meals on Wheels program to seniors who are unable to prepare their own. If you are interested in helping, contact Susan Bernstein, who is coordinating this effort.

During our High Holy days we ask members to contribute to local charities that focus on victims of domestic violence, children of women in prison, HIV/AIDS, food/feeding programs, and adult literacy. These charities are but a few of the organizations our members are personally involved in, giving their time and expertise.

During the Thanksgiving season, we biennially host an interfaith Thanksgiving service, and give attendees the opportunity to contribute to 3 charities: local, national and international.

We help provide information on agencies that do home repairs for the elderly and poor, Meals on Wheels, cooking meals for distribution through the Council on Aging, and helping the Salvation Army at Christmas time.

We collect gifts for Child Protect, a local charity that deals with child victims of abuse and molestation. New items for boys or girls ages 6 - 14 such as pajamas, sox, underpants, toothbrush and toothpaste, wash cloth, a bedtime storybook, small stuffed animal, pillowcases, and shoelaces, pads, pens and crayons are donated. This is generally a Nov.-Dec. project, but may go all year, because the need is so great. Last year the agency helped 500 such children.

If you prefer to donate money for this worthy cause, we will do the shopping for you! For more information, contact Social Concerns Chair Susan Bernstein.