G’milut Chasadim / Tikkun Olam

Another central pillar of Judaism is G’milut Chasadim or “acts of loving kindness” and Tikkun Olam or “repairing the world.” Am Kolel tries to serve the community in many ways. Below is the short list!

Gene Lipman Acre Plus
Along with our subscribers to Am Kolel’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, we raise organically grown vegetables for shelters and soup kitchens in Montgomery County. To become a CSA, or to volunteer to help harvesting, email Reb David.

Jews United For Justice
Am Kolel is a founder of Jewish United for Justice, the leading Jewish organization dedicated to leading our region closer to social, racial, and economic jusice. JUFJ has helped with winning higher minimum wages, paid family leave, police accountability, gender equality, and many other progressive causes. Our Tikkun Olam committee works very closely with JUFJ. Human Rights Benefit
Annually, Am Kolel sponsors an event to benefit local Human Rights organizations. Often, the benefit is a community-wide Chanukah Human Rights Concert and Fair. Details are posted on the Am Kolel Calendar and announced in our weekly e-letter.

Support for the many other Social, Environmental and Political Issue Groups in Our Community
A short list of ways in which Am Kolel supports the greater community is: Tzedakah Contributions
in varying amounts to lend support to groups meeting social needs in the community (e.g. Baby Blanket Project, American Jewish World Service).

Tikkun Olam
In recent years we raised funds to support a health clinic in a Palestinian Village on the West Bank. We also support various projects under the auspices of The New Israel Fund such as Torat Tzedek, a human rights organization lead by Arik Ascherman.

Rabbis for Human Rights International Conference in D.C.
Am Kolel sponsored the performance by storyteller Noa Baum for this gathering. Reb David served on the organizing committee.

Immigrant Rights
Through Reb David, Am Kolel has participated in supporting the Immigrant Rights Reform Movement. Reb David marched with thousands of immigrants at the ICE headquarters and also joined with Jewish leaders in meeting White House staff.

Environmental Action
In addition to the links we are striving to make between the earth and ethics at Sanctuary, we are also working with the Montgomery Countryside Alliance and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

Health Care for All
Am Kolel is one of a handful of Jewish organizations that has supported this initiative to provide health care for all the residents of Maryland.

End the Death Penalty
Am Kolel has also lent its support and name to end the death penalty in the State of Maryland.