“Justice, justice shall you pursue.” —Deuteronomy 16:20
The Social Action Committee is actively seeking congregants to participate in working groups addressing a variety of social justice issues. Please email the committee to get involved!
It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either. —Rabbi Tarfon, Pirke Avot 2:21
Grounded in Jewish texts and rooted in Jewish values, Temple Sinai works to fulfill the value of tikkun olam—repairing the world. Through education, community partnerships, advocacy, and action, we respond to inequities and injustices in Rochester, the nation and the world.
Much of the work of our large and vibrant Social Action Committee is carried out through various Working Groups, often coordinating with initiatives of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) on both state and national levels. We also partner with a number of local organizations to lend our hands to the collective work of building a more just community and region.
To learn more about our Working Groups or Partnerships, please email the Social Action Committee. We hope you will join us!
Issue advocacy
We regularly share current information about community events and legislative advocacy of interest to many of our congregants (this does not imply official endorsement by Temple Sinai). If you would like to receive this information, please email the committee.
Working groups
- Antisemitism
- Anti-Racism Education
- Environmental Justice/Climate Advocacy
- Interfaith Partnerships
- Immigration/Afghan Resettlement Support
- LGBTQIA+/Pride Parade
- Voting Rights Advocacy
Partnerships
Anti-racism initiatives
Since the May 2020 killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers—followed by the public revelation in August that a visitor to Rochester, Daniel Prude, had been killed by asphyxiation by Rochester city police officers—we have gone beyond a commitment to racial equality, joining the emerging movement for anti-racism.
The Social Action Committee has spearheaded:
- Listening circles, including one for the Board of Trustees, that encourage participants to explore and confront their own biases
- Book and film discussions on select works to increase awareness of the history of Black freedom movements and the struggles that endure today
- An anti-racist curriculum for the students and teachers in our School of Jewish Life & Learning
- Racism and health disparities speaker series addressing impacts of racism on maternal, mental, and children’s health.
