Tikkun Olam (Social Action)
Whether it’s delivering meals, serving those in need, or sharing homemade treats with first responders, every act is a reflection of our shared commitment to tikkun olam - repairing the world.
What is a Mitzvah?
Ask most Jews what the word mitzvah means, and you’ll often hear, “a good deed.” But the true meaning of mitzvah is “commandment.” While a good deed suggests a voluntary act, a commandment carries a deeper significance - it’s an obligation, a sacred duty to act.
At Congregation Ahavath Chesed, we view mitzvot as a powerful way to fulfill the Jewish mission of tikkun olam - repairing the world. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, is a step toward healing our community and making the world a better place.
One Mitzvah at a Time
Throughout the year, we find ways to perform mitzvot together as a Temple family as an opportunity to put tikkun olam into action. Open to everyone - parents and children, individuals and couples - it’s a meaningful way to connect with others while making a positive impact.
Through shared efforts like preparing and delivering meals, offering support to those in need, and spreading joy to our first responders, we live out our commitment to tikkun olam. Together, we create ripples of kindness that extend far beyond our Temple walls.
Through these efforts, we fulfill our sacred mission to repair the world, one mitzvah at a time. Each meal, each smile, and each act of service is a reflection of our shared commitment to making a difference.
Where it goes: Items are delivered to the Max Block Food Pantry at LJD Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) to support neighbors facing hunger.
Purim Pasta Drive: Each March, we collect boxes of noodles to ensure pantry shelves remain stocked.
Reverse Tashlich: During the Days of Awe, we care for our environment by cleaning up local waterfronts during our most sacred season.
Holiday Gift Giving: Each November, our members enthusiastically support the JFCS Holiday Gift Giving Program. You will find donation information and collection boxes prominently displayed in our lobby. These gifts fulfill wish lists for those who need it most, including children recently placed in foster care, seniors seeking connection during the holidays, and Holocaust survivors.
Temple Sisterhood Braille Group: The Temple is the proud home of the Temple Sisterhood Braille Group. Since 1957, we have hosted and supported this dedicated team of volunteers who translate and print books from English to Braille. Their work ranges from creating textbooks for the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind to accessible how-to manuals. For more information or to volunteer, contact lonnie35@bellsouth.net.
Join Us in Repairing the World
At Congregation Ahavath Chesed, tikkun olam is more than an idea - it’s a way of life. We invite you to join us in performing mitzvot and working together to bring healing and hope to our community and beyond. Let’s repair the world, one act of kindness at a time.
8727 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32217 P: (904) 733-7078
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Fri: 9am-4pm