At Temple B''nai Israel, we strive to be a house of community or beit knesset. The freedom that we enjoy in America provides us with an opportunity to carry out Judaism's ethical obligations such as traditional categories of tzedakah or righteousness and justice.

The concept of tikkun olam, , or repairing the world, enables us to fulfill our commitment as Jews to improving our community. Acts of tikkun olam provide us with channels through which we can apply our Jewish response to contemporary issues such as helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina, contributing to the Sept. 11th disaster relief efforts or assisting children and families right here in Oklahoma.

Temple B'nai Israel promotes tikkun olam by encouraging and facilitating individual participation in a variety of activities. We encourage each member to explore the ways in which a commitment to repairing the world expresses his/her Jewish identity and as a member of the world community.

Abraham Lincoln best described democracy as "government of the people, by the people, and for the people." For that government to be "by the people," however, requires that the people decide who shall be their leaders.

Here's some information to help you fulfill this right and privilege.

• State Election Board
  State Capitol Building, Room B-6, OKC, 521-2391
  

• Oklahoma County Election Board
  4201 North Lincoln Boulevard, OKC, 713-1515
  

• How to find your federal and state legislators
  

• Voter registration

2009 Temple Family Reunion

What a fantastic time we had together ... from golfing, Services and an incredible Shabbat dinner on Friday night, to the picnic, games, pool, schmoozing with family and friends and the great evening at the Bricktown Ballpark ... the entire weekend was so much fun.

One of the highlights was the magnificent Temple archives housed in the Merkaz. In just a few short weeks, John Greiner and Harriet Carson assembled a wealth of information including family histories, photos, interviews and more that tell the story of our Temple family.

While many families have filled out the Family History Form online, the Reunion Committee is continuing to gather this important information. If your family is not included, REGISTER HERE FOR THE ARCHIVES to make sure your family is well represented in the new permanent archive area in the Temple.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . .

Did you know that you could make a contribution to one of three Temple related funds and have it matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000 per fund? You can, through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s John Kirkpatrick Centennial Endowment Challenge.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is home to a variety of funds, including three from our Temple: The Erna Krouch Preschool Fund, The Sisterhood of Temple B’nai Israel Fund, and The Temple B’nai Israel Centennial Fund. Donors can support any fund’s charitable goals. This matching grant opportunity honors the 100th Birthday of Mr. Kirkpatrick and applies to new money donated between now and December 31, 2008. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are fully tax deductible and checks must be made to “Oklahoma City Community Foundation.”

From helping fund scholarships to Erna Krouch Preschool to supporting the Holocaust section at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library through the Temple’s Centennial Fund, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation helps donors realize their charitable goals.

Please indicate from the funds listed below which endowment your donation is being made.

• Erna Krouch Preschool Fund '
• Sisterhood of Temple B’nai Israel Fund
• Temple B’nai Israel Centennial Fund

For more information, please contact the Temple Office at 848-0965.