The Tsedek Committee is the place where Temple Shalom families connect to Judaism’s historic commitment to Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World) and Gimilut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness). It is through the Tsedek Committee that temple members work to achieve a goal common to Jews everywhere: Bringing humanity a few steps closer to the day when poverty and war are banished, and injustice and hate are gone.

To carry out this vision on a day-to-day basis, our people are engaged in a number of projects aimed at feeding the hungry, aiding the elderly, and helping low-income families lift themselves out of poverty.

To get involved in any of these projects call the chairs directly, or contact Dan Freedman.

Collections of Clothing, Kitchen Needs (contact Judy Lewis)
We collect shirts, pants, winter coats and other clothing items from Temple members for deliveries to Shepherd’s Table, which serves the homeless, and other worthwhile organizations.

Control Gun Violence/Million Mom March (contact Tierney Siegal)
On Mother’s Day 2000, Temple Shalom sent a delegation of over 100 members to the Million Mom March on the Washington Mall. We continue our commitment to the goal of reducing gun violence through support of the Million Mom March organization.

Hebrew Home (contact Nancy Stoner)
Once a month, a group of temple volunteers travels to the Hebrew Home for the Aged to bring some cheer into the lives of elderly residents. We play cards and board games, and we talk and listen.

MAZON (contact Carol Kahn)
Donations occasioned by life-cycle events go to the MAZON organization, the Jewish response to hunger nationwide.

Mitzvah Day (contact Dan Freedman)
Once a year in the Fall, Temple families divide into teams for participation in service projects, from fixing up housing for homeless people to picking fruits and vegetables for the hungry.

Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition (contact Ellie Finver)
The temple’s mentoring team assists a family making the difficult transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The team offers practical advise and help to those stepping up from temporary housing, shelters or the streets.

Shepherd’s Table (contact Dan Freedman)
On the first Monday of every month, we go to Shepherd’s Table in Silver Spring to help prepare and serve a meal for the homeless and others in need.

S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) (contact Katie Rosenberg)
As part of the nationwide S.O.M.E. effort, volunteers prepare meals in their own homes and then deliver them to the temple. The food is then brought to local homeless shelter for serving.

Sukkot in April (contact Ken Pollack)
Once a year we spend two consecutive Sundays fixing up the home of a low-income, elderly or disabled person or family. The work ranges from spackling and painting to mending stairs and banisters and adjusting door strike-plates.

Temple Shalom Conservation Corps (contact Peter Karasik)
To do our part to keep our environment clean and beautiful, we collect office paper from the temple and take it to local recycling centers. Also, we have started a "Stream Team" to clean up and monitor a portion of Rock Creek.