BEKI’s approach to Tikkun Olam brings together hesed, Tzedek, and hochmah – love justice and wisdom – through service, learning and community.These values call on us to care for others with compassion, work toward a more just and equitable society, and learn from Jewish tradition and the experiences of those around us. Through service, learning, and partnerships with local organizations, we seek to strengthen BEKI’s connections with the wider New Haven community. Our approach emphasizes working alongside our neighbors, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for congregants of all ages to contribute to the well-being of our shared community
BEKI partners with New Haven Reads, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s literacy through free, individualized tutoring. BEKI members volunteer as literacy tutors, helping New Haven students develop essential reading skills and a lifelong love of learning. We also support local schools through donations of supplies and materials requested by educators. Through these efforts, we seek to strengthen our relationships with New Haven’s students, families, and schools while learning more about educational opportunities and challenges in our city. Check out the video featuring BEKI member Judy Eisenberg, a long time New Haven Reads tutor.
BEKI works with local organizations to address food insecurity and help ensure that all members of our community have access to nutritious food. Congregants volunteer monthly at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK), helping prepare and serve meals to our New Haven neighbors. We also participate in food drives, including Operation Isaiah, which supports the Jewish Family Service food pantry. Alongside these activities, we seek opportunities to learn about food insecurity and the organizations working to address it in Greater New Haven.
Our parks and public spaces belong to all of us, and caring for them is one way we can contribute to a healthier, more welcoming city. BEKI organizes family-friendly park cleanups, including activities at Edgewood Park in partnership with the Friends of Edgewood Park. These gatherings bring together adults and children to remove litter, care for shared green spaces, and learn about environmental stewardship. They offer a hands-on way for families to put Jewish values into action while connecting with our neighbors and the natural environment.
The Tikkun Olam committee aims to create 
opportunities for every BEKI member to make a difference, learn something new, and connect with our wider community. Whether you have a few hours to volunteer, want to participate in a family-friendly activity, or are interested in learning more about social and environmental issues in New Haven, there are many ways to get involved.
Contact the BEKI Tikkun Olam Committee at TikkunOlam@beki.org.
