Social Action

Tikkun Olam: Helping our Community, Improving our World

In the spirit of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), a main goal of Beth Emeth's Social Action & Community Relations Committee is to increase our congregation’s assistance to the needy. Whether you want to join us in a long-term project, participate in an event or just volunteer for a few hours, there is a role for you. Your help is always appreciated.  

To get involved and receive occasional email updates, please contact us at social-action@bethemeth.org.

Annual and Ongoing Projects:

• Volunteering at The Closet of Herndon (Year-round) - please contact us to find out more.
• Kol Nidre/Yom Kippur Food Drive (Fall)
• Thanksgiving Baskets (November)
• Hypothermia Prevention Week and Dinners (Winter)
• Good Deeds Day (Spring)
• Back-to-School Backpack Drive (Summer)
• Blood Drives, organized by Sisterhood (watch for dates)

Fill a "Cool Green Bag" 

This is an easy way to give back: sign up to receive a cool green canvas bag and fill it with non-perishable foods. On the first Saturday of every other month –February, April, June, August, October and December) simply leave the bag outside your front door. A volunteer driver from A Simple Gesture will pick it up and leave another cool green bag. The food is taken to the Cornerstones Reston Pantry and the LINK Pantry in Herndon. Info and sign-up 

Organ Donation

Congregation Beth Emeth marks Organ Donor/Transplant Awareness Shabbat (November) with a guest speaker on the topic of organ donations, reminding us how important it is to register as an organ donor. You may register at the Virginia DMV or register online now.

Partners in Tikkun Olam

CBE partners with Cornerstones and we participate in selected Cornerstones initiatives. Cornerstones is always grateful for donations to help furnish transitional homes and the Embry Rucker Emergency Shelter as well as provide needed items for many other programs. Check Cornerstones' wish list for most-needed items.

Cornerstones Winter Coat Drive

Winter coats are needed for children and adults in our area. Coats are distributed through the Hunter Mill Supervisor’s Office from November through January. All coats are welcome, but men’s warm winter jackets are needed the most. Info

Other Opportunities to Get Involved

• Find a CBE Committee or Group that interests you.
• Help CBE staff with short-term projects. 
• Help with food setup/cleanup for Shabbat dinners or Shabbat morning kiddush.