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Shir Hadash in the World

“If I am not for myself, who is for me?
And if I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?”
—Hillel, Pirkei Avot, 1:14

Congregation Shir Hadash believes that as an evolving Reform Jewish congregation we have obligations not only to provide community for our members but to reach out into the world at large through individual and communal acts of gemilut chasadim (loving kindness), tzedaka (righteous giving) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). The Social Action and Social Justice committees help channel these intentions into concrete programs that have in the past included projects such as packing backpacks for back-to-school for children in shelters, hosting blood drives, providing meals, and promoting public discussion on a variety of issues in the community.

In 2005, Shir Hadash embarked on a new effort, joining with People Acting in Community Together (PACT), to promote tikkun olam in our local community. Through PACT, our congregation is connecting with other religious groups in our community to pursue similar goals for social change.

Shir Hadash is also active in local Jewish community consortium including the Jewish Film Festival, South Bay Institute of Jewish Learning and the Jewish Community Relations Council. We are proud of our members who have stepped forward to take leadership positions in the local community.