Social Action Committee

We are committed to Tikkun Olam, or “Repair of the World.” The Social Action Committee engages the entire Beth Israel community in activities that include consulting with B’nai Mitzvah families about Tikkun Olam projects, academic tutoring in Chester, annual clothing drives, participation in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, preparing and serving meals to the homeless, our unique "A Better Start for Babies" drives to donate needs to newborns and parents at ChesPenn, special Tikkun Olam speakers at Shabbat services, food drives supporting local food banks, working with Hebrew School students to prepare lunches for needy children, advocating for gun control and victims’ rights, advocating for immigrants, and screening films several times a year on Jewish and social justice themes. The Social Action Committee meets monthly; anyone in the congregation is welcome to join. 

Click here for some examples of our Social Action Committee’s work. 

A Better Start for Babies
A Better Start for Babies is a partnership between Congregation Beth Israel of Media, Congregation Ohev Shalom of Wallingford, and the staff, family, and friends of ChesPenn. We are also grateful for support from The Foundation for Delaware County. Donations provide vital supplies for moms and babies, many of whom have no resources, to help them through the most challenging moments in their new lives. In 2023-24, we collected enough supplies for 200 families. We're aiming for 250+ in 2025!

Food Service at the Life Center in Upper Darby
For more than 25 years, in every month with a 5th Monday, members of the Social Action Committee have organized a dinner-time food service for the Life Center. All members of the congregation are welcome to prepare entrees, salads, pasta dishes, vegetables, and/or desserts. No pork products, of course. Food is dropped off at Beth Israel between 5:30 and 6:00 pm, then taken to the shelter. Beth Israel's Social Action Committee was recognized by the Life Center with an award for our 20+ years of service in this vitally needed program.

MLK Jr. Day of Service
Each year, we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by gathering and creating hats for infants served by the "A Better Start for Babies" program, and scarves and hats for military and first responders. All are welcome to join. Watch the calendar for our next day of service!