tikkun olam volunteers

As Reform Jews, tikkun olam (repairing the world) is not just something we do, but it is central to who we are. We recognize that we live in an imperfect world and are obligated to try to repair it. At Temple Shalom, the efforts of tikkun olam are spearheaded by the Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV).

Mission Statement

The mission of the Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV) is to provide opportunities for members of Temple Shalom to participate in and fulfill their obligations to Tikkun Olam – to heal the world.
 

Strategic Plan

The strategic plan, approved by the Board of Trustees in 2020, sets goals for the TOV in serving our members. Reflecting that plan, the TOV will, with Board approval, develop programs and activities that:

Help connect members with ways to address community needs throughout the year within the greater Southwest Florida community and beyond.

Facilitate learning about current issues and policy solutions.

These activities will:

Focus on short term projects with the potential for long-term, systemic change.

Work with other Jewish community organizations when possible.

Set priorities to maximize impact given limited resources.

Encourage newer members and their families to participate.

We are One Family with shared Jewish history and values. The TOV will expand on that foundation through education and awareness building for the congregation about issues that affect our community. Through this engagement, Temple members will be asked to advise the TOV and Board in selecting and participating in a limited set of projects, like the food and clothing drives and Mitzvah Day. Priorities will be set to maximize interest, participation, and impact. The Board will approve the priorities every two years or as the need arises.

Special effort will be made to encourage newer members and families with younger children to serve on the TOV and participate in these activities in Collier as well as Lee County.

The TOV will recommend issues at the local, state and national level for potential action every two years or as the need arises. The Board will approve the recommended issue positions and action.

Only the President, Senior Rabbi, or Executive Director are authorized to speak officially and/or publicly on behalf of the congregation regarding TOV activities or policy advocacy.

The TOV is accountable to the Board as a standing committee of Temple Shalom and therefore subject to the by-laws and all rules that guide other committees and auxiliary entities.

“Miracles sometimes occur, but one has to work terribly hard for them.”
Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first President and Founder, Weizmann Institute.

“Wisdom without action is like a tree without fruit.” 
Rabbi Joseph Kimhi, (1105-1170)