Tikkun Olam Project
TOP identifies, supports and coordinates social and environmental justice actions. Our aim is to inform the Shir Tikvah community of opportunities to engage in social and environmental justice.
Membership in Congregation Shir Tikvah is not required to participate in TOP related activities. All are open to members, their families and friends.
Interested in TOP? Contact Robbie Lambert, Working Group Chair
TIME-SENSITIVE ACTIVITIES
TOP will be supporting the following two activities during this holiday season.
IRCO - The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization is a local organization empowering children, youth, families and elders from around the world to build new lives and become self-sufficient by providing more that 200 culturally and linguistically specific social services. They are currently asking for donations of hygiene items such as: menstrual pads, body lotion, laundry detergent and dish soap. Shir Tikvah is accepting donations for IRCO at the Eastside Jewish Commons. The deadline for donations is Jan. 8. So the next time you are at Shir TIkvah, please drop off a donation in the box provided.
NAFY - Since 1997, New Avenues for Youths' programs and services have impacted more that 30,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue their goals and realize their potential. Shir Tikvah will be providing a complete Christmas dinner for 50 very hungry on-the-street kids. Food donations should be delivered to Ellen Metz at 2016 SE Larch Ave. only on Dec. 23rd before 1:00 pm. The following items will be needed:
- ham
- cranberry sauce
- both mashed and sweet potatoes
- vegetables (green beans, cherry tomatoes, mixed veggies, fresh veggie tray, etc.)
- rolls
- butter
- desserts (pies, brownies, cookies)
- fruit (clementines do well)
- Martinelli's and Costco ho chocolate mix
- condiments
- anything else that hungry on-the-street kids would enjoy eating
- warm socks are always needed, so feel free to supply some
Please call Ellen before Dec. 23rd at 503-347-1442 to let her know what you will be providing.
THANK YOU FOR ALL PARTICIPATING IN THESE DRIVES. HAPPY HANNUKAH.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Providing lay leaders to conduct Torah Study at the Women's Correctional Facility at Coffee Creek. Contact Charlie Rosenblum for more information.
Black Lives (Still) Matter: Making a difference starts with listening. Since Michael Brown was murdered by police in Ferguson MO in 2014, we who are Shir Tikvah have sought out ways to support the Movement for Black Lives. For upcoming events and more information go to the Race Talks PDX website.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECTS… SHARE YOUR IDEAS
If you have a TOP related project, activity or event that you would like the congregation to know about or you would like to get help or support from TOP, please let us know by completing our
The TOP committee will review the project, activity or event and recommend the appropriate action.
LEARN MORE
Here is some links to information about the houseless crisis in Portland.
- Mobile street library.
- Ballot measure to eliminate outdoor camping. FYI. This is not a statement of support for this ballot measure.
- Update from Rob Nosse (3/18/2022).
- Beat Check Podcast on Homelessness.
OUR MISSION
TOP will:
Receive and review invitations to endorse, sponsor and co-sponsor events, petitions and other community actions;
Advise the Board of Directors (BOD) about proposed actions;
Educate ourselves and others on TOP initiatives;
Plan congregation-supported TOP initiatives in conjunction with staff and BOD and
Represent Shir TIkvah in local communal social and environmental events
Organizations We Have Supported
Don't Shoot PDX
Hand in Hand Israel
Roots
350PDX
OJMCHE
New Avenues for Youth
p:ear
Portland Homeless Family Solutions
Rahab's Sisters
Our Reverse Tashlich team cleaned up over a ton of garbage at the Johnson Creek Flood Plain.