Social justice and advocacy are as integral to who TSTI is as worship. Our congregation has longstanding commitment to and passion for tikkun olam — a commitment that has significantly increased in recent years. Members of all ages lead, participate and act on issues of import to our society, our congregation and the world. From anti-bias programs sponsored by the Social Action Task Force to exciting opportunities to partner with neighboring faith communities, together, we will build this world from love.

Religious Action Center (RAC) & RAC-NJ

TSTI is proud to be a partner to RAC-NJ, which works to organize across lines of difference to ensure that our Reform Jewish values, including pikuach nefesh (saving lives), chesed (compassion), and tzedek (justice), are included in policymaking as our state leaders work to build a more just and compassionate society for all New Jersey residents. For more information, or to get involved, contact Barbara Schwartz or Mark Lowenthal. 

Our Community Partners

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) –
TSTI works closely with the ADL, the leading anti-hate organization in the world, as a Signature Synagogue. ADL’s Signature Synagogue Program ignites congregation-wide commitment to raising awareness of and speaking out against antisemitism and hate. Each year TSTI sends a delegation of congregants to the annual Never is Now Conference, the world’s largest summit on antisemitism and hate. In addition, the ADL provides programming that we bring to our TSTI community to learn about what is happening in our world and what we can do to combat hate.

If you would like to join our google group to get occasional  emails on what programming TSTI is doing with regard to ADL and how you can get involved, please contact Wendy Ferber.

National Council of Jewish Women/Essex (NCJW/Essex) –
NCJW/Essex is a grassroots organization driven by progressive ideals. They give back to the community, advocate for issues that drive economic and social justice aligned with our Jewish values, and connect with others to form forever friendships.   

For more than 100 years the women of NCJW/Essex have worked tirelessly in the pursuit of social justice for our community. They strive to influence public policy and improve social conditions for women, children and families through lobbying, grassroots activism, coalition-building, and educational training.

For more information, contact [email protected].