Background:
Faith in Action is a program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It helps fund and provides support for interfaith community groups and synagogues of various movements to train volunteers to provide health-related services to members of their community.
Whereas Jewish tradition has long taught that g’milut hasadim, performing acts of kindness, is one of the foundations of human society and the world, as Shimon the Righteous taught (Avot 1:2), “On the things the world stands: on the Torah, on worship, and on acts of kindness;”
Whereas many of our congregations and institutions already are grantees of Faith in Action, partnering with other faith groups to train volunteers to provide essential health-related services to the frail elderly, people with HIV/AIDS, children and adults with emotional and mental problems; and
Whereas these programs will enable the fulfillment of mitzvot such as g’milut hasadim, tikkun olam and mipne sevah takum.
Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly wholly endorse the Faith in Action project; and
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly encourage its members to participate in their local communities with Jewish as well as non-Jewish organizations to provide the vital social services which sanctify the entire community.
Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, April, 2003