TIKKUN OLAM
You are not obligated to complete the work of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to desist from it.
-Ethics of Our Fathers, 2:21
Our Jewish tradition doesn’t expect us to single-handedly repair the world. However, if everyone contributes, even in small ways, we can make a powerful difference.
The Tikkun Olam Committee, formerly called the Social Action Committee, exists to support the efforts of our congregation to make this a better world.
There are many opportunities to take action with other CBB members. The current Tikkun Olam projects are listed below.
OUR PROJECTS
OUR FAMILY IN ISRAEL
Following a call to our congregation for Tikkun Olam initiative submissions, we have selected “Our Family in Israel” as our major initiative. This initiative supports members of Kibbutz Kfar Aza as they go through the healing and rebuilding of their community.
Led by Rabbi Belle Michael and Lisa Raphael, this project is comprised of several components aimed at strengthening the population of Kfar Aza and building relationships with our Israeli brothers and sisters. It also deepens our relationship with our new family in Israel who visited our congregation earlier this year.
If you’d like to make a gift to support CBB’s ongoing effort, please click here and select “Our Family in Israel – Kibbutz Kfar Aza” from the Type drop down menu.
GRACE FISHER FOUNDATION
Join CBB in championing inclusivity and combating ableism within our community! The Grace Fisher Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of the arts. The organization is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity by integrating individuals with disabilities with the typical population, emphasizing shared experiences and fostering kindness. Through its multifaceted approach, The Grace Fisher Foundation aims to create a more vibrant and inclusive society where the arts become a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and personal growth.
To get involved, contact Jana Brody at janabrody44@gmail.com.
YOUNITED
YOUNITED (formerly Givat Haviva International School) gathers 100-130 10th through 12th graders from around the world to learn, live, work, and volunteer together in Israel while earning a prestigious International Baccalaureate diploma. The student body is composed of 25% Israeli Arabs, 25% Israeli Jews, and 50% international students. YOUNITED strives to build a community of young leaders who understand the power of diversity, envisioning a future where these young leaders build bridges of understanding and empathy.
If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering to tutor students, please contact Richard Silver at rbsilver@hotmail.com.
NEFESH (Neighbors Ensuring Food, Equity, Safety, and Housing)
NEFESH encompasses CBB partnerships in these areas of need in our community. Currently, we support three meal preparation and serving locations at To get involved, please complete this form.
Eco Team
Led by Barbara Greenleaf, Eco Team encourages individuals to make small changes that can help to slow climate change and heal the planet. Collectively, these little things can have a large impact. Team members educate themselves on environmental matters through member research and reporting, outside speakers, and field trips. Eco Team meets on the first Tuesday of each month at a centrally located private home.
For further information, please visit this website.
ECOFaith
ECOFaith is a program of the Interfaith Initiative of Santa Barbara County, a nonprofit of which CBB is a founding member. We are a collaboration of local interfaith individuals including Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Native American, Baha’i, and Buddhist traditions. Monthly speakers present topics related to the spiritual side of creation care and the environment, as well as on social action items.
If you’re interested in learning more, please visit this website.
Ubumwe School
The Ubumwe Preschool Project began in the Fall of 2010. Our goal was to build a preschool for the children of Gisenyi, Rwanda, and to raise awareness at CBB about the ongoing effects of the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994. We raised funds to build a sister preschool and elementary school, but continued help is needed to support the school and the teachers with scholarships and supplies.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Ellen Hunter at ellenhuntersb@gmail.com or Pam Gunther at pamsantabarbara@gmail.com.
Mitzvah Day
Mitzvah Day is our community-wide event to make a difference locally and beyond. Hands-on projects take place both at CBB and at other non-profit organizations in town. Visit the Mitzvah Day website for more information. Support for Mitzvah Day is always appreciated. Click here to make a gift by selecting “Mitzvah Day” from the Type drop down menu.
Evely Laser Shlensky Tikkun Olam Award
For energetic devotion to the healing and restoration of our world through service in the program for Social Action of Congregation B’nai B’rith.
1996 Ellen Goldman & Judi Weisbart – Empty Bowls
1997 Andee Duvendeck (Gaines) & Glen Serbin – Transition House
1998 Janet Laiches & John Teton – International Food Security
1999 Amy Martinez (Locke) & Fred Martinez – Food Bank Drive
2000 Rick Heimberg – Church Rebuilding
2001 Art & Cindy Klempner
2002 Helen Curhan & Lynnette Glasman – Spiritual Care Team
2005 Sissy & Bernie Taran – Jewish Community Picnic
2006 Elizabeth Gaynes & Yael Brennan – Mitzvah Day
2007 Don Wolfe, Rick Heimberg, Linda Phillips – Church Rebuilding
2010 Audrie Krause – Pershing Park
2013 Ellen Hunter & Pamela Gunther – Rwanda Preschool
2022 Steering Committee (rep by Richard Silver) – Givat Haviva International School
2022 Amy Katz & Kira Weiss – Pershing Park