Join us as we Pursue Justice!
the ptbe community has enthusiastically endorsed CLIMATE CHANGE, Reproductive Justice, and Voter engagement as our priority social justice ISSUES.
We are excited to engage PTBE members of all ages in these social justice campaigns. This is not just a committee--this is a PTBE-wide movement!
Come be a part of it!
What is Rodfei Tzedek?
The PTBE Rodfei Tzedek (Pursuing Justice) team believes that together we can become an increasingly powerful force to implement the values of Tikkun Olam and social justice in our congregation, our local community and in our country.
WHY SOCIAL JUSTICE?
We, as Jewish people, are called to social justice work. The Talmud states, "Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”
Upcoming events:
Reproductive Justice:
Repro Shabbat: February 9, 6:30pm
Join the clergy, Rodfei Tzedek, and the PTBE community to observe Repro Shabbat, an initiative of the National Council of Jewish Women. We will be joined by Jewish documentary filmmaker Erin Persley to learn about her upcoming film, Human Shield. Erin documents the story of clinic escorts who ensure the safety of patients as they seek reproductive health care. Stay after Shabbat services for oneg treats and a discussion with Erin and Rodfei Tzedek about how we can continue to work for reproductive rights.
Climate Justice:
We are continuing to partner with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism - CA (RAC-CA) on the Climate Tzedek Campaign. Click here for more information about the campaign.
Voter Engagement
We will be planning a number of events during 2024 related to Get Out the Vote, Voter Education, and Voter Disenfranchisement. Stay tuned for more info!
Click on the photos below to scroll through a gallery of Rodfei Tzedek highlights….
RODFEI TZEDEK Partnerships
- California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
-Dayenu: PTBE is now part of a larger network of Jewish climate activists around the country, as we have officially established ourselves/Rodfei Tzedek as a Dayenu Circle. Dayenu is a movement of American Jews confronting the climate crisis with “spiritual audacity and bold political action”.
-California Interfaith Power and Light
-Peninsula Interfaith Climate Action (our connection to local faith houses collaborating on issues of climate justice)
-National Council of Jewish Women Jews for Abortion Access Campaign
PTBE RODFEI TZEDEK Achievements:
In partnership with Interfaith Power and Light and with the support of the Board of Trustees, Rodfei Tzedek helped make solar power a reality at PTBE. 224 solar panels were installed on our roof in October 2022. Watch a video of our solar journey here
Participates in nationwide observance of Repro Shabbat in partnership with NCJW. Assembled and delivered post-abortion care kits. Championed Rabbi Lisa’s sermon addressing abortion access
Met with legislators in San Mateo, Sacramento & Washington, D.C. to help promote the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s legislative priorities
Participates in Faith Climate Action Week annually during Earth Month. Faith communities all over the country focus on how we can all take action to protect our climate
Presented a well-attended “Evenings of Justice” speaker series (highlighting social justice topics with educational speakers and action opportunities)
Facilitated house meetings in members’ homes as part of a listening campaign and to strengthen connections
Met with local community and public organizations already embarking on social justice campaigns to identify opportunities for partnership
Hosted a series of environmentally focussed film discussions facilitated by our teen climate justice leaders
Activated our network to get out the vote through letter and postcard writing, a state proposition educational forum, text and phone banking
Greener by Default is a PTBE initiative that encourages us to consider our relationships with food & our environment in a fresh way. It allows us to intentionally incorporate our Jewish values into our community celebrations here at PTBE.
Click to learn more!
The PTBE Community Garden is in bloom! Produce grown is constantly harvested and donated to our neighbors at Samaritan House in San Mateo. Our partnership with Each Green Corner allows us to contribute to our community.
Click to learn more!
Join us!
Are you passionate about local issues, partnering with Jewish and non-Jewish organizations who are working toward solutions, and identifying your own values and passions around social justice? Contact Marla Becker or Nancy Schneider.
Give to Rodfei Tzedek!
Did you know that you can donate directly to Rodfei Tzedek to help us continue to run programs and pursue justice? Click below to support our work. Choose “Rodfei Tzedek Fund” from the dropdown menu. Thank you!