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MITZVAH DAY 2024

 Save the date for Mitzvah Day 2024! B'tzelem's biggest single-day of action all year will take place on Sunday, May 19. Join us for a variety of activities, as well as presentations by our Religious School 7th graders. Not to be missed! 

Do you have a passion for social action? Temple Judea is looking for two leaders to co-chair Mitzvah Day. Mitzvah Day planning meetings start March 5 @ 7pm, and continue April 3 and May 1, with the event on May 19. If you're interested in learning more about what's involved, please contact Rabbi Cantor Blum at

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And the 2023 total is...

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our TJ volunteers the Social Action Committee blasted through its ambitious goal to reach a total of 13,500 lunches with a year-to-date total of 15,110 lunches to Hope the Mission! That's quite a triumph! Thanks to all who participated in this mitzvah -- including our ECC families, TJ Staff, and neighbors at Our Lady of Grace Church who make additional donations in December to help us achieve our goal! Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our TJ volunteers the Social Action Committee blasted through its ambitious goal to reach a total of 13,500 lunches with a year-to-date total of 15,110 lunches to Hope the Mission! That's quite a triumph! Thanks to all who participated in this mitzvah -- including our ECC families, TJ Staff, and neighbors at Our Lady of Grace Church who make additional donations in December to help us achieve our goal!

We're not ones to rest on our laurels, though, as people still need to eat. So we begin again, one lunch at a time. We look forward to reaching a new goal together in 2024!  If you didn't contribute to last year's total, make a commitment to do so this year. And get a family member or friend to do it, too! We may not solve world hunger this year, but we can make a difference here in our community. 

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FOCUS ON ISRAEL

Of all the social justice and social action endeavors that are close to the hearts of modern Jews, none is more crucial than Zionism. Modern Zionism is the central project of the Jewish people and has been among our core, animating ideas since we were expelled from Jerusalem in 70 CE. The historical connection of the Jewish people to the land is coupled with a millennial-long yearning to return, which is expressed in liturgy, theology, history, and culture. There is no understanding of either the Jewish people or the Jewish religion without the idea of a return to Zion. Therefore, it can only follow that the current crisis in Israel is, and has been since October 7, at the forefront of our minds and hearts. 

As we know, Israel is a tiny country; everyone is connected by one or two degrees of separation. There is not a single citizen of Israel - nor a single Jew in the Diaspora - who  does not feel the pain of this crisis. Our hearts continue to be heavy with the horrific news coming out of Gaza, and every day we pray for the safe release of the hostages, the protection of Jewish people, and an immediate resolution to the conflict. Temple Judea continues to offer ways to support Israel at this time. To learn more click here. 

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SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT ACTION

Representatives from Tzedek America came for a special workshop during which our 7th Grade Tzedek Track participants learned about racial, social and economic inequality through large group and small group discussions. They will continue the racial justice and equity learning in January before moving on to explore issues related to climate change. 

Meanwhile, our 8th-grade Equity, Wellness and Safety Board is continuing their efforts with Tzedakah Transforms to raise $7,500 in support of organizations working to promote support for Israel, mental health, kids in sports, and reproductive rights. Students invite you and our Temple Judea community to participate in this endeavor at any amount. If you are interested in donating,  click here and select "Teen Philanthropy."

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UPCOMING EVENTS

A brave space for LGBTQ+ Teens.  Monday, Jan. 8, Jan. 22, Feb. 5 @ 6:30pm. Jewish teens are invited to meet for connection, reflection, support and fun. Learn More 

Pathways to Citizenship is gearing up for a new year. Saturdays @ 9am-1pm, Jan. 13 (@ Clinica Romero), Feb.10 (@ Our Lady of Grace Church). Who do you know that wants to become a citizen? Help them achieve that goal. Learn More at these upcoming workshops in 2024 or call Judy Rutt at 213-700-9363.

Support our hungry neighbors with Social Action. Mondays, Jan. 15 (Gelsons) & Feb. 5 (TJ) @ 10am. Pack sack lunches and drop them off for donation to Hope the Mission. Learn More

ISN's breakfast in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Tuesday, Jan. 16 @ 8:30am, St. Paul's United Methodist Church. This year's "Seeds of Peace" breakfast features speakers Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Rabbi Sarah Hronsky. Register Here or Learn More about ISN.

We're not just spinning yarns here! Sunday, Jan. 28 @ 10am. Join People of the Yarn, TJ's knit and crochet group, for a morning of fun and creative tikkun olam. Craft items for people in need in our community. All levels welcome! Learn More 

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Ongoing Initiatives

   

 

All of the work we do aligns with initiatives and policies supported by the Union of Reform Judaism both nationally and in California. Every day, we are inspired by the thousands of volunteers in all of these different areas who work tirelessly to make a difference. YOU could be one! Learn more and get involved!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT B'TZELEM @ TEMPLE JUDEA