“Justice, justice shall you pursue.” —Deuteronomy 16:20
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. Our vibrant Social Action Committee (SAC) leads this work.
Visit the RAC website for more information!
These dates and states are subject to change depending on the availability of addresses. We will communicate any changes to the schedule as they arise. Stay tuned for future states!
Before ordering postcards or attending a Postcard Party, please email us at office@tsinai.org to receive an instructional video on the postcarding process!
In partnership with Planned Parenthood, we will be assembling care kits to support New Yorkers and people from out of state coming to New York for abortion care. Our goal is to assemble 216 kits (180 for Planned Parenthood and 36 for another local abortion provider) on Sunday, May 5, at 11:00 AM
Click here to donate or sign up!
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. We are already beginning to see some of the impacts in terms of damage to people and property due to intensifying weather patterns, threats to food and water supply, proliferation of diseases and health impacts on vulnerable populations, displacement of populations, and loss of biodiversity. We are poised at a great opportunity to seize new economic opportunities and shape a sustainable and equitable future.
For these reasons, the Religious Action Center of NY (RAC-NY) has embarked on "The Climate Covenant" a multi-year initiative to mobilize Reform Jews across New York to be a powerful force to shape the legislative agenda and local action. If you are interested in being part of this historic initiative or would like to know more, contact the Temple Sinai office at (585) 381-6890.
Through an Indigenous Lens Youtube Playlist
Democracy Under Threat: Finding Our Way Forward (On Going)
As background, an informative Reclaiming Democracy blog post Joyce Herman wrote for the Pachamama Alliance, an organization we have previously collaborated with, will provide a deeper understanding of our series.
Democracy Under Threat Series
Perspectives on Policing Series
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.
Much of the work of our large and vibrant Social Action Committee is carried out through working groups. We're actively seeking congregants to participate in these groups to address a variety of social justice issues. Please email the committee to get involved!
- Antisemitism
- Anti-Racism Education
- Environmental Justice / Climate Advocacy
- Indigenous Peoples Programming
- Interfaith Partnerships
- Immigration / Afghan Resettlement Support
- LGBTQIA+ / Pride Parade
- Reclaiming Democracy
- Voting Rights Advocacy
Many of our initiatives are coordinated with Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism at both the state and national levels.
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.
In response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Social Action Committee has formed a Reproductive Rights Committee to provide information, education, advocacy, and support around this critical issue.
To be part of the Reproductive Rights Committee contact the Social Action Committee at SOCIALACTION@TSINAI.ORG.
- Planned Parenthood Resource List
- Abortion Resource Guide 2023
Repro Shabbat: View the service from February 17th, 2023
Repro Shabbat highlights what Jewish tradition teaches about reproductive freedom, and provides an opportunity to come together as a community to talk about the need to preserve reproductive rights. Repro Shabbat aligns with the date we read Parshat Mishpatim, the verses that lay the foundation for Judaism’s approach to abortion.
Temple Sinai’s Repro Shabbat Service includes:· A chance to hear from Temple youth advocates who recently traveled to Washington DC for the L’Taken Social Justice Conference;
· A special oneg co-sponsored by the Social Action and Religious Practices Committees; and
An opportunity to view the Abortion Justice Crochet Mural assembled by Temple members
