Social Action

Social Action and Social Justice are essential parts of life at Temple Chai. Rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—we engage members of all ages in meaningful efforts to support our community and beyond.

Social Action Committee

Led by Jami Schulman, the Social Action Committee brings Temple Chai’s Jewish values to life through community service, education, and advocacy.

This year, the committee is focused on immigration and refugee support, welcoming and assisting families seeking safety and new beginnings. Through learning, volunteering, and hands-on support, our community builds connections and helps shape the future of social action at Temple Chai.

Programs

Kulanu

Temple Chai is proud to be a pilot site for the Anti-Defamation League’s national Kulanu program, which empowers communities to stand up against antisemitism.

Our Kulanu Committee brings people together to educate and inform through webinars, events, and resources that support both our members and the wider community. Most recently, Kulanu hosted a well-attended program on antisemitism for teens and their parents.

Click here to donate to Kulanu at Temple Chai

Click here to learn more about Kulanu

Eco Chai

Temple Chai’s Eco Chai initiative focuses on environmental sustainability and lowering our collective carbon footprint. Through eco-friendly actions such as recycling, building community gardens, reducing waste, and choosing plant-based foods, we can all help make a difference. We welcome all ages and all ideas.

Eco Chai participates in the City of Phoenix Adopt-a-Street program near our home on Bell Road, with a commitment to four cleanups per year. Eco Chai has hosted vendor fairs, clothing drives, and recycling drives, and their annual Tu B’Shevat Eco-Fest has become a community highlight

Click here to donate to Eco Chai at Temple Chai

To get involved, contact Nona Siegel at nona.siegel@gmail.com

Mitzvah Mall

The Ellen Woodnick Mitzvah Mall promotes G’milut Chasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness) and offers a meaningful alternative to traditional holiday gift-giving.

Each year, students and community members “shop” booths representing local and global charities. Donations of $1–$18 generate certificates explaining how each gift helps. It’s a simple, impactful way to support good causes and learn about tzedakah.

High Holy Days Food Drive

Each fall, Temple Chai collects over 10,000 pounds of food for the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank. This initiative is led by our teens and gives them a hands-on opportunity to support neighbors in need.

In addition to non-perishable food, we also collect grocery store gift cards, which help the food bank purchase essential items throughout the year.

Peanut Butter and Fluff

On December 24th, hundreds of Temple Chai members gather to make peanut butter and fluff sandwiches for St. Vincent de Paul to serve when their dining rooms are closed.

Each year, we donate more than 7,500 sandwiches to help feed the hungry in our greater community. This beloved annual event is simple, powerful, and open to all ages.

L’Taken Social Justice Seminar (for Teens)

Through the L’Taken Seminar in Washington, DC, Temple Chai Confirmation students engage in an immersive social justice experience. Teens choose issues they care about, write speeches, and lobby members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

This transformational program empowers our youth to speak up, engage in civil discourse, and learn how Judaism inspires action in the public sphere.