A Commitment to Social Action

Narayever's Social Action Committee

Tikkun Olam and tzedek tzedek tirdof  are the two guiding principles of Narayever’s Social Action Committee, reflecting the values of our synagogue community and our role in the world as Jewish people. We strive to improve the world through the concept of justice, justice, you shall pursue (tzedek, tzedek tirdof). We believe that justice, itself, must be pursued justly, and that the pursuit of justice requires constant action.

The funds raised during the Yom Kippur drive are usually split with 50% of the funding going to organizations from Israel and 50% to local organizations in Toronto. Last year approximately 60% of the funds went to Israel in support of initiatives that addressed issues related to the October 7 events. We are proposing that a similar goal of 50-60% be established for organizations in Israel dealing with the consequences and needs arising from October 7 (medical, social, housing). The remainder will be allocated to local organizations that support the proposed theme. The theme for the 2024-2025 Yom Kippur Appeal is to support organizations which are fighting discrimination, hate and polarization in the context of religious identity. We have chosen this topic because we think it is critically important to support pride in being Jewish and to support those who are victims of hate and discrimination.

We advance the two guiding principles in the following ways:

• Raising funds which are then donated to causes and organizations that do work in the areas that reflect our values of tikkun olam and tzedek tzedek tirdof. This is done through our regular social action fund and through our annual Yom Kippur Appeal. The donations to the Social Action fund are allocated to organizations as needs are identified. If you are an organization that would like to apply for funding support, please click here.
• Equity Programming and Action: Educational programming to raise awareness and engagement about racial and Indigenous injustice, social and economic injustice; poverty; migration and refugee rights; the environment, and mental health and addictions.
• Resource List: Help the Narayever community learn about Racism and Reconciliation
• Dedicating days to awareness and action: Truth and Reconciliation Day Shabbat and Mitzvah Day
• Direct involvement in the broader community: From volunteering at Kensington Gardens and First Interfaith Out of the Cold, to participating in environmental and other justice-related events. Please join us in our efforts and volunteer. Along with other synagogue groups and members, we have also participated in demonstrations focused on the environment, support for Israel, and other essential issues. We also stood with other faith-based groups to support Canada’s Muslim residents; helping to form a Ring of Peace around a Toronto Mosque.

For more information on Social Action programs, activities, or other issues, please write to Marsha Frydenberg at admin@naryaever.ca.