Tzedakah Fund Distribution 2020

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Rabbi Kort met with the Social Action Committee and interested congregants to discuss distribution of funds made available through generous donations by our Temple Beth Or community during 2020. $4,300 will be divided equally ($860.00 each) among the following five charitable organizations:

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

EDF brings people together to solve environmental challenges from many different angles. This organization uses science-driven approaches in the areas of climate, energy, ecosystems, oceans, and health.

Volunteers of America (VOA) of Western Washington

There is a greater than ever need in our community for the basics of life including food and shelter. Our local VOA food banks serve 10,000 individuals per month. In addition to hunger prevention, the Volunteers of America also helps connect individuals and families to resources. Services include behavioral health services, disability-related services, and housing and mediation such as Fair Housing/Landlord-Tenant assistance to help promote shelter and stability.

Northwest Harvest

Northwest Harvest supports many food banks and meal programs across Washington State. It is also involved in advocacy around food justice. In addition to making sure those who suffer from hunger have access to healthy food, the organization aims to shift public opinion, as well as change institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. Their work is driven by their values of dignity, fairness, solidarity, self-determination, safety, and inclusivity.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

SPLC works in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy and advance the rights of all people. It works through:

  • fighting hate by monitoring hate groups and exposing their activities to the public, the media, and law enforcement;
  • teaching tolerance; and
  • seeking justice for the most vulnerable in our communities.

The Social Action Committee also wants to make mention of three local organizations which make a huge difference in our community and that receive support from many Temple Beth Or members throughout the year:

We thank our community for its generosity.