Temple Kol Ami was founded on Jewish ideas of Tikkun Olam; repairing our world and Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof: Justice, justice you shall pursue.
Here are other ways to get involved in Social Action at TKA.
Today, we continue this tradition in both word and deed; speaking, educating, and acting on issues of racial equality, health, the environment, and food scarcity. Consider joining our monthly meetings and helping us serve the community
Past Events...
Feeding the Hungry
Food Pantry
Started spring of 2020 our Community Food Project (CFP) partnered with Metro Food Rescue providing food for 75 local families in need. Every Friday morning, rain or shine, our volunteers are packaging food to be put in our neighbors cars.
Food Pantry: hours are 11:00am-1:00pm
Once a month since 2007, TKA members have staffed the serving line at Detroit’s Capuchin Kitchen. The Kitchen serves over 400 meals to needy Detroiters of all faiths, ages, and circumstances.
Serving The Community
Mitzvah Day
The Social Action Committee and the Religious School work together to plan a day where TKA students and families can give back to the community via hands-on projects at TKA and in the community.
Many members of our TKA family have been impacted by cancer. To show our support, raise awareness and money, every summer since 2007 an enthusiastic group of members organizes a booth at the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life. In 2021, volunteers met at the Detroit Zoo in support of cancer research and the day ended with havdalah at the race with everyone.
The SOS program houses people experiencing homelessness and their families at various houses of worship around Oakland County for one week at a time.
TKA will house up to 50 of these women, men, and children who will receive meals, sleeping places, entertainment, and transportation to school and work from volunteers and staff at TKA.
Speaking & Educating
Social Action Shabbat
We invite speakers and host discussions during several Shabbats each year. Topics might include Jewish immigration, water justice, interfaith relations, hunger, or Holocaust remembrance.
Social Justice Book Club
Formed in 2017, the Book Club reads and discusses books on issues facing both the social fabric of our country and the Jewish community. The group has dynamic, facilitated conversations about justice issues, including such topics as human rights, choice, gun control, voter challenges, immigration, religious discrimination, racism, and their effect on our society. Led by Professor Tara Hayes, the group meets on Sunday mornings, 10 times per year using Zoom and in-person settings when possible.
Green & Sustainable
The Green Team
An active piece of the TKA Social Action Committee, this dedicated group has initiated programs around recycling, sustainable gardening, bioswales, and more.
TKA’s religious school wing is LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a prestigious designation for “green” construction. Completed in 2008, the wing uses energy efficient lighting, high-efficiency HVAC units, water-saving plumbing and more. Paint, carpet glue and other materials used had to be low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to promote healthy indoor air quality. These and other measures helped TKA become the first certified green synagogue in Michigan.
TKA is active with MiIPL, a multi-faith non-profit that helps houses of worship throughout Michigan to reduce their energy consumption and advocate for sustainable practices. MiIPL is part of a national movement of state chapters of Interfaith Power and Light.
Michigan Jewish Food Festival
TKA Social Action committee has a booth at this annual, fun and educational event sponsored by Hazon. Committee members take turns during the day staffing the booth and meeting new people at this great family event.
Hazon, the Jewish Lab for Sustainability, helped us start the CFP, and is our major partner for our other sustainability and environmental education efforts, from recycling to the Michigan Food Festival to native plant gardening, and more.