Tikkun Olam

SUPPORTING DUPAGE PADS

We support people experiencing homelessness by volunteering and cooking for DuPage Pads's dedicated facility, which provides this vulnerable population with nourishing, hot meals and a safe, warm place to sleep. We are proud to do this work in partnership with local churches St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Villa Park, York Center of the Brethren, Christ the King, Lombard Mennonite, and Lombard Christian Reformed.  

If you’re interested in participating, be it as a volunteer or to donate, reach out to the Social Action Committee.

OTHER WAYS WE SUPPORT PEOPLE IN NEED

In addition to our regular work volunteer efforts with DuPage Pads, we also:

•  Donating food and money to the People’s Resource Center, a food and clothing pantry that also provides job skills training in Wheaton

•  Furnishing apartments for Pads clients who are moving into their own spaces

•  Supporting Walk-In Ministries, a service that provides emergency assistance to people in need.

•  Delivering Rosh Hashanah and Passover baskets to local Jews in need through Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago.

AIDING OUR CONGREGANTS

For certain CEC high school students, we defray the cost of L'Taken, a program in Washington D.C. that brings together diverse groups of 10th-12th graders from around the country to explore public policy and social activism through a Jewish lens.

We sponsor Mitzvah Day, where congregants take action directly by participating in projects to benefit people in need.

We provide networking opportunities for people seeking employment.

We host panel discussions on topics of local interest.

Through our membership in DuPage United, we ensure government funding in DuPage County for causes representing our congregants’ values, with special emphasis on health, housing, education, and jobs.

DUPAGE UNITED – AN ALLIANCE OF ORGANIZATIONS

DuPage United is an inclusive, fiercely non-partisan non-profit organization whose members are civil society institutions: churches, mosques, synagogues, non-profit agencies, and associations. The alliance forms public relationships and acts together to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. 

It was formed to “create a broad-based, non-partisan, civic organization with sufficient relational power to take collective action for social and economic changes that will benefit the people of DuPage County.” In other words, member organizations, like CEC, influence decision-makers in DuPage County to improve the social and economic situation for DuPage County residents.

Congregation Etz Chaim is one of the founding members of DuPage United. Our leadership recognized long ago the need to actively engage with our neighbors for social justice. CEC continues to play a strong leadership role among the dozens of member churches, mosques, and secular non-profit agencies and associations. 

INTERFAITH

At Congregation Etz Chaim, we promote an open dialogue with friends and neighbors of different faiths to foster positive relationships. We do so through community outreach events that develop mutual respect and understanding within our diverse faith community. 

We also promote positive relationships within our walls, dubbed “in-reach.” We want our interfaith families to feel welcomed and comfortable so we actively host events for them as well.

If you’re interested in interfaith activities or have suggestions for us, contact the Interfaith Task Force.

COMMUNITY SOLAR

We partner with a community solar farm to offset 100% of our carbon footprint. By participating in this program, we help fund local solar projects without requiring the installation of panels on our property. Through this initiative, we're fulfilling our commitment to tikkun olam by supporting clean, renewable energy that benefits both our community and the planet. Our congregation's dedication to environmental stewardship reflects our values of responsibility and care for future generations.