The Temple Emanuel community is an active participant in the larger St. Louis community in social action programs that attempt to heal, repair, and transform the world ("do the work of Tikkun Olam").

Each class in the Religious School plans a social action project to help make our world a better place, and the families of each Bar / Bat Mitzvah and of each confirmand is encouraged to participate in a social justice project of their own choosing.  Our young adults participate in community service across the city.

We belong to the Jewish Social Action Network and participate in community social justice activities, such as the "Save Darfur" campaign, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, cooking food for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, and our own "Care and Share" program.

Care and Share

Our "Care and Share" program was designed by members of our congregation with assistance of world-renowned "Tzedakah Hero," Danny Siegel. After learning of a group of poor disabled Medicaid patients by a home health care nurse (a Temple Emanuel member) the project came to life.

"Care and Share" cooks are teams of members of all ages who cook 100 meals each month. The meals are distributed to those in need, from freezers furnished by the Temple, and located at two social agencies' sites. With the help of our own Karen and Sam Platt, "Care and Share" prep teams prepare nutritious dinners on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm, and on the third or fourth Sunday of the month at 9:30 am.

In addition to cooking, individuals members can donate to the Care and Share Fund to help purchase the food.  Donations of sugar-free desserts, to send out with the meals, are also appreciated.