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Home > ENGAGE > Social Action

Social Action

Tikkun Olam

 

At Congregation B’nai Jacob we are engaged in Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, through projects that address hunger, homelessness, and refugees in our community. These projects all offer various ways to participate.  You can volunteer in person, contribute home-cooked or store-bought food, or donate much-needed funds.  These projects also offer welcome opportunities for our community to collaborate with other synagogues and churches.

We thank you for upholding the Congregation B’nai Jacob tradition of extending generosity to those in profound need.

Below, you'll find details on our Social Action initiatives, encompassing past achievements, present efforts, and ongoing commitments. Your involvement at any level significantly enriches these endeavors and is highly valued.

Chesed Committee at CBJ

The Chesed committee at CBJ is dedicated to supporting members of our community during times of loss or illness. This group provides kosher catered meals to families observing shiva. Volunteers have also prepared large quantities of chicken soup and matzo balls, freezing them for delivery to congregants recovering from serious health conditions.

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT

CBJ participates in the Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (JCARR), helping to resettle refugee families. This project involves a coalition of synagogues working together to provide housing, education, and support services, facilitating a smooth transition for refugees into their new lives.

Columbus House and Abraham’s Tent

CBJ partners with Columbus House, Inc. to provide shelter, meals, and support services to homeless individuals. Volunteers prepare and serve meals, offering a safe and warm environment for those in need. This collaboration is a vital part of the congregation's commitment to addressing homelessness in the community.

Chapel on the Green

CBJ members prepare and serve meals in collaboration with local organizations to support individuals experiencing food insecurity. This project allows congregants to directly engage in hands-on service, fostering a sense of community and compassion.

Food4Kids

The Food4Kids program supplies weekend food packs to at-risk children, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. This initiative addresses childhood food insecurity and supports the well-being of local children.

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen

Volunteers from CBJ serve dinner to individuals in need at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK). This effort helps to alleviate hunger and provide nutritious meals to the community's most vulnerable members.

Isaiah's Fast

An annual food drive held during the High Holidays, where congregants donate food to support local food pantries. Isaiah's Fast highlights the congregation's commitment to combating hunger and supporting those in need within the broader community.

Mitzvah Garden

Volunteers cultivate fresh produce in the Mitzvah Garden located on the CBJ Property, which is then donated to the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry. This project not only provides healthy food options to those in need but also promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship within the congregation.

Community news/fundraisers

  • <a href="/community-fundraising-spotlights.html?post_id=1633683" target=""> <span class="slider_title"> EARTH DAY FOOD DRIVE AND CELEBRATION </span> </a> <span class="blog_date"> Tuesday, Mar 25th </span> <span class="slider_description"><div class="section_subcontent col-lg-4 col-md-4 col-sm-4 col-xs-12" style="position: relative;"><p>We will be collecting foods for the JFS pantry during the weeks leading up to Passover and at the <a href="https://woodbridgeearthday-babce.web.app/">Woodbridge Earth Day</a> event on the Town Green April 26, 2025 from 10:00AM to 5:00 PM.</p> <p>Food collection will start April 1<sup>st</sup> and run through April...</span> <a href="/community-fundraising-spotlights.html?post_id=1633683" class="slider_link" target=""> Read More </a>
  • <a href="/community-fundraising-spotlights.html?post_id=1612249" target=""> <span class="slider_title"> Items Needed For JCARR’s New Family </span> </a> <span class="blog_date"> Tuesday, Dec 24th </span> <span class="slider_description"><p>JCARR is actively preparing to welcome its tenth family in the next few weeks!  We do not yet have an arrival date, but it will likely be before Jan. 20.  Our Household Task Force has prepared a SignUp Genius for the items we need to furnish and supply their apartment:</p> <p>https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4BAAA92EA1FC1-53705303-jcarr/109052434#/</p> <p>The list currently includes various kitchen and bathroom items, laundry and cleaning supplies, car seat and booster seat for the younger children, some furniture, and gift cards.  It will be updated periodically with new needs.  </p</span> <a href="/community-fundraising-spotlights.html?post_id=1612249" class="slider_link" target=""> Read More </a>
  • <a href="/community-fundraising-spotlights.html?post_id=1610827" target=""> <span class="slider_title"> JCARR News: One-Year anniversary of family 9 </span> </a> <span class="blog_date"> Wednesday, Dec 18th </span> <span class="slider_description"><div class="section_subcontent col-lg-8 col-md-8 col-sm-8 col-xs-12" style="position: relative;"><p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On November 1, 2023, JCARR’s Family #9 arrived in the United States after a long flight from Turkey, where they spent 10 years after fleeing Syria. They were tired, excited, nervous, uncertain of how this next phase...</span> <a href="/community-fundraising-spotlights.html?post_id=1610827" class="slider_link" target=""> Read More </a>

 

Wed, March 11 2026 22 Adar 5786