Mitzvah Opportunities

Justice, Justice shall you pursue.” – Deuteronomy. 

Since its inception, Leo Baeck Temple has had a strong commitment to tikkun olam (Repairing the World).  Mindful of the words of the ancient prophets and contemporary teachers, we seek to make this world a better place by doing acts of lovingkindness and by establishing justice.  At Leo Baeck Temple, social action is not just a special event – but an everyday part of our communal life.

AIDS LUNCH GROUP

This group of volunteers serves lunch to men, women, children and newborns once a month at two out-patient clinics that are for AIDS/HIV infected patients.  These clinics are adjacent to the USC County Hospital.  Food is prepared at the temple by a group of volunteers called the “preppers.”  Another group, called the “schleppers” brings the food to the clinic.  We set-up lunch, serve it, and visit with the patients.  The AIDS Lunch Group also collects and distributes desperately needed toiletries (usually the small, travel-sized ones).  Over a twelve-month period, we serve over a thousand patients.

If you’d like to become a prepper or a schlepper … please contact AIDS Lunch Group chair, Charna Nissenson.

MITZVAH OF THE MONTH PROGRAM

The Mitzvah of the Month Program (MoTM) is designed to provide LBTers with a simple and easy way to perform a mitzvah each and every month.  It’s a simple idea that has long-lasting impact.  Whether through donations of sweaters and blankets to be used by elder and dependent adults that have been victims of abuse; or towels and pet care items for shelter animals; or books for shut-in veterans; or business attire and accessories for homeless men and women looking for a new start the MoTM program gives members of our community an opportunity to perform acts of Gemilut Chasidim (Acts of Lovingkindness).

We need your support to make the LBT Mitzvah of the Month program a success.  In addition to donating items each month, we need volunteers to sort and deliver donated items.  If you would like to get involved, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Volunteering times are easy and flexible … the rewards are tremendous!

BIG SUNDAY

Big Sunday is an annual, city-wide volunteer day.  Each year on Big Sunday, LBT members join with nearly 25,000 volunteers from synagogues, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and other groups all around Los Angeles to create a powerful day of action.

For the past two years, Leo Baeck Temple has hosted a Big Sunday festival for the hundred of men, women, and children associated with LAMP (Los Angeles Ministries Project) who ordinarily have little opportunity for celebration.

For more information, and to participate with Big Sunday at LBT, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To learn more about Big Sunday, visit http://bigsunday.org/.