Social Action

Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)—Social action and justice are core values of Judaism. Our community’s commitment to social action in the world is an integral part of who we are at Central Synagogue. It is truly a “way of life” for our community. Throughout the year, we offer numerous activities and programs.

On Mitzvah Day, a large number of our community gathers and together we spread good deeds and acts of kindness among more than 20 organizations.

• Mitzvah Day—November 16, 2008

Our commitment to social action organizations takes place year round. Depending on the program, our volunteers gather monthly and/or weekly.

• We serve breakfast for the homeless in our city at our community house twice per week;
• We work in partnership with a public school (PS 84) where we help as volunteers twice per week;
• We regularly volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House;
• Our knitting group meets every week to knit blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves etc. for many in need;
• Our volunteers tutor English at our synagogue;

We also help serve meals at other communities at holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas time.

• Church of Heavenly Rest

We respond to certain current crises in the world.

• We reach out to our Soldiers in Iraq and their families;
• We raise awareness and have programs regarding the crisis in Darfur;

We have teach-ins, educate our community and provide social advocacy.

• Interfaith seminars
• Israel Teach-Ins

Our young participants, starting in nursery school and continuing in the religious school and the youth group, are active participants in our social action programs.

• They participate in different tzedakah projects throughout the year;
• They are an integral part of our Mitzvah Days;
• They deliver food and clothing to New York City’s homeless through the Midnight Run program.

We invite all our members to join with us in social action.