Tzedek: Social Justice Action Committee
Our Statement:
Tzedek, the Hebrew word meaning justice, is the Social Justice Action arm of Congregation Ner Shalom. Jewish social justice is a way to respond to the brokenness of our world and to inform that work with Jewish knowledge and insights. Central to Jewish practice is the principle of tikkun olam, to repair the world –– working to transform suffering and pursue justice, in alignment with core values of compassion and equity. For Jews to fully live our justice values, we believe that we must involve ourselves with those who are in need now. By being social justice advocates we try to listen to those who are suffering—hear their stories, become connected with their pain and then help by standing up with them and for them.
Artwork by Susie Miller
Ner Shalom’s Tzedek work aims to educate our community to the various issues that are contemporary and relevant to transforming an unjust society. This page is provided as a way to connect with our activities and hopefully to engage with us in some way. Click here for a list of resources to further your path as a social justice advocate
Ner Shalom is committed to fighting racism, as was articulated in our Statement Honoring the Shloshim of George Floyd.
Ner Shalom’s Tzedek work has encompassed a range of important issues. Our Social Justice Cafés have explored Jewish progressive history and highlighted local grassroots organizations, local immigrant and refugee rights programs, and countering voter suppression efforts. Ner Shalom has taken an active role in interfaith organizing in support and defense of the American Muslim community through our leadership in the "Of One Soul" campaign of the Interfaith Council of Sonoma County. Ner Shalom holds an annual collection of food goods for Redwood Empire Food Bank. In 2016 we collected warm clothes to send to the water protectors at Standing Rock. And in 2017 we hosted Ali Abu Awwad, an important figure in the Palestinian Non-Violence Movement. We have also hosted a program on progressive programs in Israel through “J Street.” In the future we hope to address prison rights and homelessness, and other pressing issues.
WATCH THIS SITE. IT WILL BE AN ACTIVE AND EVER CHANGING PAGE!!
Tzedek Sponsored Events: CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE DETAILS
The postcard campaign is still going!
Tzedek has teamed with Reclaim Our Vote (ROV) in a postcard campaign to inform and help purged, disenfranchised voters and people of color. The campaign contacts voters living in voter suppression states (currently Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas) to get registered, get a ballot and vote in the 2020 election.
We are inviting you to be a part of this campaign. It’s easy! You can do it from home and you can make a difference! WE will be providing individual packets that include 20 ROV postcards, and stamps, guidelines on what and what not to do, voter address lists, a script to follow and labels to affix with voter registration information.
The (Covid-safe) packets will be available for YOU to pick up at our Santa Rosa, Sebastopol/Cotati and Petaluma locations. We ask $10 for each packet. No one will be denied a packet due to lack of funds.
Questions?
Contact Roberta Teller 510-301-1706