Temple Beth-El members volunteer hundreds of hours each year in Tikkun Olam projects promote cooperation and understanding of other groups within the larger Birmingham community, and help to build friendships and a sense of community within our congregation. Four service groups with overlapping memberships work under the umbrella of the Mitzvah Corps. If you would like to volunteer for any of our service projects contact the Temple Office at 205.933.2740.
Family Promise of Birmingham is the new name for the Birmingham Hospitality Network, a network of diverse faith and civic organizations working together to provide safe, home-like lodging where homeless families can stay together while working to regain their independence. On any given day, more than half the guests served by Family Promise of Birmingham are children. Temple Beth-El, as a support congregation, has worked with Temple Emanu-El to provide temporary lodging and meals for families who are in transition. Four times a year families are provided temporary lodging and meals at Temple Emanu-El. Volunteers are needed to prepare meals and stay at the Temple overnight with families.
Habitat for Humanity – Volunteers from Temple Beth-El have assisted in the renovation of a home in Birmingham. Habitat worked with us to coordinate workdays to meet the schedule of our volunteers. Future workdays will be scheduled to utilize the talents and skills of our members in building or renovating a house alongside a family who has never owned their own home.
Greater Birmingham Ministries provides financial help, food, clothing and support for families and individuals in crisis and works in the pursuit if social justice in Alabama. We support GBM throughout the year through food and clothing drives to stock their pantries and closets.
Community Kitchens provides meals daily at Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn. Volunteer skills are needed for soliciting gifts of food, decorating, cooking, serving, and lending a kind ear and a warm smile on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. On these three holidays, Temple Beth-El or Temple Emanu-El volunteers host the meals, offering the regular Community Kitchens staff time to celebrate these holidays with their families and friends.
The programs of the Mitzvah Corps are supported by donations to the Chico Bomchel Memorial Social Action Fund.