Good Deeds

Isaac M. Wise Temple provides an opportunity for congregants of all ages to live out their Jewish values by working together to influence systemic change through Civic Engagement@Wise (CE@Wise). The group focuses on societal concerns such as increasing voter participation, reducing gun violence, criminal justice reform, and securing reproductive rights for women. Through its affiliation with the Religious Action Center (RAC), Isaac M. Wise Temple is a “Brit Olam” congregation and has signed a covenant to confront injustice at its root.

Horror, outrage, grief. The impact of having congregants who lost a family member in the Parkland shooting in February, 2018 was a powerful impetus in the creation of the Civic Engagement (CE@Wise) program. Amy Katz was one of several congregants who wanted to do something concrete in response. At Rabbi Kamrass’ suggestion, Amy contacted Jenna Shaifer and they decided to form a steering committee which included Amy, Jenna (co-chairs), Terry Susskind, Marcy Kanter, and Rabbi Kamrass.