The Social Action Committee consists of interested members meeting to define issues of concern to the Kol Shalom community and at times to lead the way to actions.  We research issues; make opportunities for participation (either volunteerism or activism); and keep Kol Shalom engaged in actions for “the common good”.  We see this enactment of our ethics in society as a fundamental expression of our Judaism.

"Good  deeds" day at Kol Shalom center

"Good  deeds" day at Kol Shalom center

The committee explores issues as broad as available mental health care and state-wide health care availability, raising the minimum wage, and the African genocides.

And locally, we engage with nearby services, and we make alliances to learn about and to act on issues.  We have led Kol Shalom into the Industrial Areas Foundation local -- The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG).  Our members founded the Never Again Coalition, which since has included other congregations.  We have allied with several committees across the state to facilitate aspects of health care reform in the state.  We have led KS members in letter-writing campaigns and in informational visits to our state legislators.   Our members volunteer individually, and the committee advises the board on charitable donations.

The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, an almost fanatical love of justice, and the desire for personal independence, these are the features of the Jewish tradition which make me thank my lucky stars I belong to it.
— Albert Einstein