Tikkun (Social Action)

Tikkun olam” which literally means to “repair the world” has come to mean social action and the pursuit of social justice.  This describes Temple Emanuel to it’s very core.

We can trace acts of Tikkun Olam back to our very beginnings in 1861 when members of the congregation reached out in the community to help the sick, poor and those less fortunate.  There are notes demonstrating the women of our congregation making meals and delivering them to those in need.  Today we are still helping those who are hungry by raising money for Mazon (the Jewish response to hunger) and participating in the Quad Cities Churches United sponsored CROP Walk.  We also prepare and serve meals to patrons of the Cafe on Vine in Davenport, a local shelter for the homeless and low-income; the Place2Be, a drop-in center for teenagers in Rock Island; and to volunteers building houses for the local organization of Habitat for Humanity.  For the last 3 years, our religious school children have packaged thousands of nutritious packets to be sent abroad in the program sponsored by “Kids Against Hunger.”

There are a number of other projects we select to participate in from year to year which include helping local organizations or individuals as well as international groups, agencies and countries in need.  Click on the link below to view some of our other projects throughout our history.

Temple Emanuel’s Louise Light Tikkun Olam Committee through the years.

To Help with the Cafe on Vine project please contact the Temple Office.

We are always looking for donations of food for our regular menu, money to buy what is not donated and volunteers to help prepare the food or serve dinners at the Cafe.  You are welcome to help us one time or every time when we prepare and serve these dinners.  Just let us know when you can help!   IT’S A MITZVAH!