Social Justice

The Temple's Social Justice Committee brings together people with strong social concerns, who enthusiastically address matters of justice and compassion, to other members of the congregation and as representatives of the congregation to the wider community.

A few years ago, the group stimulated the creation of a multi-group organization, the East Side Community Alliance (ESCA), in the synagogue's neighborhoods, the East Side and Mt. Hope. The ESCA brings together a diverse group of people and instituions, including more than 18 organizations and local leaders, such as chuches, another synagogue, the Mt. Hope Learning Center, Mt. Hope Neighborhood Association, the YMCA and others. The Committee and its members have been working to build relationships and to address community needs.

Current issues the Committee is working on include:

• Advocacy for refugees and immigration policies, with HIAS and local organizations, as well as contacts with our Senators and Congressional Representatives. The Committee invited Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse to speak at the Temple this past February, at which time he addressed a host of issues, including especially matters concerning immigration, refugees and discrimination.
• Lobbying, in conjunction with the RI Coalition Against Gun Violence, at the Rhode Island State House, advocating for various restrictions on gun availability.
• Addressing concerns about poverty, in cooperation with the RI State Council of Churches, the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty, and the RI Economic Progress Institute, at the State House, at the Annual Interfaith Poverty Conference, and at a recent Shabbat Morning service during which congregants made gift bags to distribute to people on local street corners who are asking for assistance.