Tikkun Olam & Social Action
at Temple Concord
“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.” (Pirkei Avot 2:16)
At Temple Concord, we believe that repairing the world—tikkun olam—is not just an abstract concept but a call to action. We put our Jewish values into practice by serving our neighbors, fighting hunger, and working for justice in our community.
Our Work in the Community
Ktzuvat Gan Community Garden: Our community garden—a collaboration with Temple Adath Yeshurun—provides fresh vegetables to the Interfaith Community Collective (ICC) food pantry, bringing healthy, locally-grown produce to families in need.
Interfaith Community Collective Partnership: We are a partner with the ICC, supporting their efforts to address food insecurity and provide vital resources to our neighbors. We collect seasonal clothing year-round; collect nonperishables and support the pantry financially throughout the year; Temple Concord members volunteer each week to distribute food; and our youth groups participate in an annual Wegmans scavenger hunt to benefit the ICC.
Religious School Giving: Our Religious School students collect non-perishable food items for the ICC each fall and maintain classroom tzedakah collections throughout the year, learning that helping others is a fundamental part of Jewish life.
Tu BiShevat Tree Planting: Each Tu BiShevat, we raise funds to plant trees in Israel, connecting our students and congregants to the land and the Jewish value of environmental stewardship.
Christmas Dinner Service: Each year, Temple Concord members serve dinner at the Samaritan Center on Christmas, ensuring that everyone in our community has a warm meal and welcoming faces during the holiday season.
Sisterhood Blessing Bags: Our Sisterhood creates blessing bags filled with essential items for women’s shelters, offering dignity and support to those experiencing homelessness or crisis.
Youth Service Projects: JYG and TYCON members participate in community cleanups and service projects throughout the year, learning that tikkun olam is something you do with your hands, not just your heart.
Social Action Committee: Our active Social Action Committee organizes and leads tikkun olam projects throughout the year, creating opportunities for congregants of all ages to make a difference in our community.
Get Involved
Whether you have an hour to volunteer, a passion for gardening, or a commitment to social justice, there’s a place for you in Temple Concord’s tikkun olam work.
Contact Executive Director Aaron Spitzer at aaron@templeconcord.org to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities and how you can make a difference.