Social Action
Social Action has always been an important pillar of Temple life.
The Social Action Committee is a group of active individuals who work to provide programming opportunities in areas of political advocacy, community involvement and volunteerism. We bring issues of Tikkun Olam forward for consideration and invite the congregation to participate in a variety of meaningful projects throughout the year. Members are invited to join our committee or take part in any particular project in which they may have an interest.
Temple Emanu-El 50th Anniversary Retrospective
For further information contact Lee Weisser.
Brit Olam - Covenant with our World
Pirkei Avot: “Study alone is not enough; our tradition demands action.”
Temple Emanu-El is the first Canadian congregation to become part of a North American network of Reform congregations dedicated to a world of compassion and justice through acting together on issues of moral urgency.
Signing on to this network allows us to publicly reaffirm our commitment to meaningful social justice work, grounded in our sacred and enduring Jewish values.
Social Action News & Events
Tikkun Olam Cooking Club:
Repairing the World, One Meal at a Time
Report on Tikkun Olam Cooking Club…and Social Action Update
December, 2025
A big thank you to our cooks, bakers, driver and donors!
Once again, we had fun in the Temple kitchen preparing a meal for the Community Dinner Project organized by our neighbour, Temple Har Zion. They love our shepherd’s pie! We also donate buns, vegetables, pickles, pop and homemade cookies for 80 people.
Temple Emanu-El has been cooking for this project for 20 years! Thank you to Helen Poizner for starting this initiative so many years ago.
Cooks: Reena Berlind, Elise Jankelow, Lee Weisser, Adrian Herscovici, Ruth Sutton and Debbie Goldberg
Also participating in this project:
Shoppers: Nina Diamond and Debbie Goldberg
Bakers: Pat Sinervo, Betty London, Debbie Goldberg, Aviva Groll, Pam Roy and Linda Corbett
Driver: Nina Diamond
Donors: Ana Sztabinski, Helen Poizner, Nina Diamond, Debbie Goldberg and Nortown Foods
A Change in Leadership
Debbie Goldberg and Nina Diamond
After 13 years as Co-chair of the Social Action Committee, Nina Diamond is taking a well-deserved rest from the leadership role.
Temple Emanu-El has been enriched by Nina’s enthusiasm, dedication and sense of humour. She has committed her time, resources and creativity to multiple projects including sponsorship and resettlement of refugees from Syria, supporting First Nations activities, raising money for Leket, Welcome Circles for Ukrainian and Israeli families, supporting the clients of Sistering, meal preparation, food drives…and more.
Please honour Nina by making a donation to the Temple Emanu-El Fund HERE.
Stepping into Nina’s shoes is Debbie Goldberg, a seasoned volunteer and a board member at Temple Emanu-El. Thank you Debbie for taking on this role!
Debbie and Lee Weisser will continue to lead Social Action/Tikkun Olam projects in conjunction with the CJLL. These projects include activities to help our Temple community, our broader community and Israel.
If you are interested in helping with any of our projects, please contact Lee Weisser at leeweisser96@gmail.com.
Food Drive
Temple Emanu-El is helping to fight the ongoing crisis of food insecurity in Jewish Toronto. Read more HERE.
Jan 2024 Update
We received a hearty thank you from Temple Har Zion for our contribution to their Community Dinners of a shepherd's pie meal for 80 people. Hats off to all who helped! Click image to see larger.
Temple Emanu-El Welcome Circle Spring 2024
Help Support an Israeli Family new to Canada!
Itzhak, Amalia and their four children arrived in Canada shortly after October 7. Having lived in a tight-knit community on a kibbutz in northern Israel, it’s been a big adjustment for them to be in Newmarket without a built-in network.
Itzhak owned his own construction business in Israel and Amalia was a certified Early Childhood Educator. They were not allowed to work during their first few months in Canada, so there has been a huge financial strain.
Amalia has recently found work teaching Hebrew at the Schwartz Reisman JCC. Itzhak is looking for work as a plumber.
They want to stay in Canada and make a contribution to the community.
You can help them get started!
How can you help?
- Monetary Donations: If you can help, please contact Lee Weisser at leeweisser96@gmail.com or
647-502-7123. Unfortunately, tax receipts cannot be issued - Social outreach to help the family feel connected to the larger Jewish community. Contact Dina Krawitz at
416-602-7151 - Networking help for a job for Itzhak. See his resume HERE.
Questions: Text Dina Krawitz at 416-602-7151 or email her at dina@krawitz.com
