Social Action and Advocacy
Social action is “to do.” It is putting into motion, performing, or doing public acts done for the good of others. In the context of Tikkun Olam, it is ethical action performed in service of others to heal, mend, or repair the world. It involves sharing time, material, and other resources for the common good.
Social advocacy is “to speak out.” It is public support that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of another. It involves engaging authorities, decision makers, and persons with the power to make change in dialogue with the goal to shape the debate, persuade, influence, and/or affect change. Such dialogue involves both speaking out and full-embodied listening.
The KKBE Social Action committee advocates from a foundation of Jewish values that calls on us to heal the world. We do this through social justice initiatives that provide meaningful and impactful opportunities for KKBE members to contribute toward bettering the wider community.
KKBE Supports
Neighbors Together has brought dignity and hope to the Lowcountry since 1983. In 2021, the organization (formerly Tricounty Family Ministries) changed its name to reflect the transformation we have seen when people come together to help each other.
Members of KKBE volunteer at Neighbors Together on the first Wednesday of every month, supplying volunteers to help distribute clothes and food to people in need. Volunteering is from 9:45 am - 1:00 pm. Neighbors Together is at 2105 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. New volunteers are always needed and welcome.
To participate, please contact Lila Trussler at lftrussler@hotmail.com
Charleston Area Justice Ministry
The Charleston Area Justice Ministry (CAJM) is a grassroots, direct action nonprofit made up of over 30 congregations and organizations that are culturally, economically, racially, and religiously diverse. KKBE, under Rabbi Alexander’s guidance was one of the founding members of CAJM. Our mission is to work together and resist the status quo, in order to make the Charleston area a more just place to live, work, and do business. We have a vision of a transformed community, one where justice prevails, with a culture of abundance, hope, and promise. By organizing thousands of people and holding officials accountable, we make our vision a reality.
What is CAJM?
The Charleston Area Justice Ministry is 10 years strong in the Lowcountry and is comprised of members of 40 congregations across the region. KKBE is a founding congregation of CAJM. We are diverse in many facets. We use this representation to build strong grassroots power that transforms our community. Our existence is counter-cultural and beautiful in times that are marked by divisiveness.
These meetings are open to all, whether or not you are a CAJM member. CAJM wants to reach as deep into the community as possible.
Please join us!! To register, email LuAnn Rosenzweig @ luannrosen@gmail.com
CAJM: https://charlestonareajusticeministry.org
HALOS
HALOS provides support and advocacy for abused and neglected childern and kinship caregivers. Those are grandparents, relatives or friends raising children to keep them out of foster care with strangers. KKBE supports HALOS throughout the year with school supply drives, holiday drives and summer clothing drives. Most recently KKBE has adopted a HALOS family to give them extra support during an especially difficult year.
HALOS: www.charlestonhalos.org/our-services
Charleston Jewish Family Services Kosher Food Pantry
Since its creation in the fall of 2011, the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) has provided a communal response to hunger in the greater Charleston
community. The KFP reflects our commitment to the Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) and to serving community members in need with kavod (respect). The members of KKBE fully support the Kosher Food Pantry through food drives, grocery store gift card drives, and financial donations.
To make a donation to the Kosher Food Pantry, click HERE.
To learn more about Charleston Jewish Family Services and the Kosher Food Pantry: https://charlestonjfs.com
Lowcountry Blessing Box Project
Studies show adults with food insecurity will skip meals or reduce their portions to provide for children in their homes as they wait for pay day. Many food insecure families do not qualify for the assistance of food banks, or are hesitant to turn to food banks for assistance due to the stigma. One "bad month" can be enough to plunge a household into food insecurity. Lay-offs at work, unexpected car maintenance, unforeseen medical bills, or an accident on the job can suddenly force a family to choose between buying food and paying bills.
Blessing boxes may be found all over the Lowcountry. They are stocked with non-perishable food items, basic toiletries, baby supplies, and anything else that might be considered a blessing to someone who finds themselves in need. Items are anonymously donated and anonymously received. A simple rule applies - Leave what you can, take what you need.
To find a Blessing Box or learn how you can help, go HERE.
Follow the Blessing Box Project on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/chsblessingbox
Friends and Neighbors Feeding the Homeless
Local restaurateur, Eli Hyman, noticed a rise in food insecurity during the pandemic. Not being one to stand idly by, he began collecting food in his driveway, and distributing it to the homeless and needy in Charleston. If you would like to join Eli in his fight against hunger, here's how you can help:
Eli Hyman’s house at 2702 Bayonne Street, Sullivan’s Island.
- Drop off is every day before 10:30 am
- Leave the food either in the coolers on the driveway, or (non-perishables) next to the cooler.
- The need: sandwiches individually wrapped (no mayo), water, chips, oranges (no apples or bananas). Other lunch non-perishables appreciated! Anything you'd like to bring is helpful!
The pandemic has made food a larger issue for so much of the community, so many are going hungry, and many resources are not available now. Many, many thanks for all contributions!
