Social Justice and Advocacy

Tikkun Olam, or repair of the world, is contained within our congregation’s Mission Statement.  From the earliest days of Bangor’s Jewish Community when members sponsored refugees from Eastern Europe, to our historically strong support for Zionism, through to today, as we work to welcome immigrant families, Congregation Beth Israel takes a considered approach to issues of the day.  You’ll find our members working with veterans, addiction, and always preparing food at the Salvation Army.

We strive to live our Jewish values through meaningful action, and when appropriate, issue advocacy.

Our Social Action Committee recently lead the charge by drafting a letter in support of students of color who face racism in Bangor schools.  Our Rabbi and President, along with many other congregants, participated in Black Lives Matter events in the tumultuous summer of 2020.  We have congregants embedded in or leading numerous civic organizations in the Greater Bangor Region, from the Maine Multicultural Center to the NAACP.

You can read posts below about our advocacy work.