community

“Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh - All of Israel are responsible for one another."

Social action is deeply ingrained in Jewish life because of the core Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. For early childhood directors and assistant directors leading preschool programs in Reform Jewish congregations, incorporating Tikkun Olam into the curriculum creates meaningful opportunities to build kehillah (community) while teaching our youngest learners essential Jewish values.

Tikkun Olam encompasses far more than charitable giving. It includes caring for the environment, promoting peace, and taking collective action to do good in our world. When we bring social action into early childhood programs, we emphasize to children that contributing to the well-being of others and our world is fundamental to being part of the Jewish community. These experiences instill values such as kindness, empathy, and social responsibility from the earliest ages.

Practical Programming Ideas

The most successful Tikkun Olam projects are hands-on and address issues children can concretely understand. Consider organizing drives for canned food, holiday toys, or diapers for local food pantries. One creative approach involves asking families to bring pasta boxes for Purim groggers, which are then donated to those in need.

Temple-wide Mitzvah Days offer concentrated opportunities for social action—writing letters to soldiers, preparing meals for shelters, or visiting nursing homes to brighten residents' days. Partner with organizations like schools in underserved areas to provide holiday gifts and supplies, or work with local food pantries where children can help package food items.

Early childhood programs may not need to organize a project from start to finish. Connecting to what is already in place is one way to build community within the Temple and at the same time bring Tikun Olam to life.  Many Temples have an active Social Action committee. There may already be partnerships in place with local food pantries, schools, community gardens, etc. For example, perhaps the Temple makes sandwiches once a month for a shelter - the early childhood center or a group of families could take charge of that for one of the months. When the Temple is holding a food drive, young children can bring in items and/or sort or pack the items that have been donated.

Environmental projects also resonate strongly. Organize park cleanups or community garden maintenance days -  or organize a family gathering to participate in a local park clean-up or community garden that is looking for volunteers. Host annual fundraisers like lemonade stands where children actively participate in raising money for meaningful causes.

Engaging Families

Projects that parents and children complete together prove most successful. Create hygiene kits as families, volunteer together serving food at shelters, or organize monthly themed drives for pajamas, school supplies, or books. Connect classroom learning with home and community by having children bring items from home, discuss Tikkun Olam concepts through age-appropriate books, and then gather families to pack donations together.

Seek out local nonprofits already doing important work and support their efforts. Encourage families to attend community events celebrating diversity and social justice.

Through Tikkun Olam programming, we repair the world while strengthening our kehillah—creating engaged, compassionate Jewish community members from the very start.

Fern Katz

Director of Early Childhood Education 

Chicago Sinai Congregation 

Chicago, IL