social action/Tikkun Olam
Temple Akiba brings light and goodness into the world.
Temple Akiba is deeply committed to supporting our community, at home and abroad. The congregation partners with several of the greatest organizations in the area to do its part in accomplishing creative projects that bring light to Temple Akiba, Culver City and beyond. From the Annual Mitzvah Day to Shoes for the Homeless and Jewish World Watch events, Temple Akiba does not stand idly by. Rather, Temple Akiba educates and activates its community to rise up and take responsibility for helping to care for others in need.
Our Tikkun Olam Committee coordinates our Temple’s social action and social justice efforts. We have been focused on Housing and Homelessness and work with the Religious Action Center (RAC-CA), the advocacy arm of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) to promote Jewish social work.
If you are interested in joining our Tikkun Olam Committee contact Sara Fields, Engagement Trustee, at sarafields044@gmail.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SHABBAT SHIRA SERVICE WITH 3RD GRADE & REFUGEE SERVICE
Friday, February 7, 6:30pm - 8:30 pm at Temple Akiba, In Person & Online.
During services we will hear about welcoming refugees to the U.S. and who are engaging in the response to the global refugee crisis.
SORTING SHOES FOR THE HOMELESS
Sunday, February 9, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Temple Akiba is excited to join JFEDLA and Shoes for the Homeless, Inc. to sort and categorize shoe donations that will be distributed to our unhoused neighbors and those directly affected by the wildfires. This event hosted at Temple Akiba is co-sponsored byTemple Akiba Sisterhood, and Temple Akiba Men’s Group, and will take place on Please bring new or gently used shoes of all types and sizes to donate.
Please click here to register to volunteer for the February 9th event: https://47156-prd-bbis.jfusa.concourse.host/2025-02-09-community-service-day. Once you are at the website, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the February 9th event. There will be two other volunteer opportunities that you can also register for if you wish, but please note the February 9th Shoes for the Homeless, Inc. sorting is the only event taking place at Temple Akiba.
TU B’SHVAT IN THE PARK
Sunday, February 16, Activities from 10:00 am - 11:30 am, Song Session at 11:30 am (optional BYO picnic to follow).
Tu B'Shvat is the birthday of the trees. Temple Akiba's Green Team invites you to enjoy Tu B'Shvat with your community at Stoneview Nature Center. To celebrate, join us for engaging nature activities.
Sisterhood will present Jewish and Indigenous Peoples poetry readings relating to nature followed by a gentle Nature Walk around the Stoneview Nature Center. Please join us for a wonderful outdoor event. To RSVP: https://templeakiba.shulcloud.com/form/tu_bshevat_2025
THE 2025 GREATER LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT, WEST L.A.
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
We invite you to join us, in partnership with B’nai David-Judea Congregation, IKAR and Repair the World, to participate in this year’s homeless count, an annual initiative of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Volunteers are needed at our deployment site in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood. The Homeless Count is critical to helping the thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County by identifying the areas of greatest need and allowing for a more effective allocation of resources and services.
Pico-Robertson address provided in advance of the event
Light Kosher dinner will be available at 6:00 PM
Most counting is completed before 11:00 PM
Volunteers must be 18 or older.
To count in your own neighborhood, sign up directly with LAHSA: theycountwillyou.org
Mitzvah Day at Temple Akiba
Sunday, May 18; 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Lunch will be served.
Hundreds of Temple Akiba members of all ages come together every year for Mitzvah Day to lend their talents, time and generosity to a wide range of good deeds that help those in our community and beyond. Some of the charitable giving opportunities include: making lunches for the homeless; beautifying the community with painted pots and planting flowers; knitting hats for children, among other activities. Registration details to follow.
Temple Akiba works closely with RAC and HIAS:
The Religious Action Center (RAC-CA), is the advocacy arm of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), For more information go to their website at: https://rac.org/take-action
HIAS provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives. For more information go to their website at: https://hias.org/
Political Advocacy in Washington D.C.
Every year, Temple Akiba travels to Washington D.C. with its Confirmation class to meet with important law makers to discuss issues that matter to them most. Whether it’s raising a voice for justice in America or sharing their views on the situation in Israel, we offer our youth the opportunity to have a say and see first-hand the type of impact their opinions and actions can have in the world.
