Many of us have seen the bumper sticker asking us to “Practice random acts of lovingkindness.” Two thousand years ago, our sages taught “Al Shlosha Devarim ha-olam omed.” On three things the world stands: on Torah (study), on Devotion (prayer), and on deeds of lovingkindness. In essence, what this teaches us is that we must integrate mind, heart and action.

How many of us grew up hearing about doing a “mitzvah”? Of course, literally, a mitzvah is a commandment. But the more common usage has to do with doing a “good deed.” Indeed, we are “commanded” to do deeds of kindness.

Jewish teachings on social action and kindness abound. The Torah commanded us to leave the corners of the fields for those in need. The prophets exhorted us towards a just society, calling on us to care for the widow, the orphan, the immigrant and the poor. The rabbis taught us about the obligation of giving tzedakah, helping the needy bride and groom, and visiting the sick. The Reform movement, from its inception to the present, urged us to bring these teachings into the societies in which we lived. And in the 1960’s, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who bridged the Chassidic world and modern America, inspired us by taking stands on civil rights and the Vietnam War. Today, leaders in the movement for Jewish Renewal, such as Rabbis Arthur Waskow, Michael Lerner and Naomi Steinberg, have drawn on these traditions and organized on behalf of peace, labor and the environment.

In our own community, our children learn this important lesson in a practical way. As part of Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations, each of our students takes on a “mitzvah project.” They have worked with young children, visited elders, cared for animals, and raised money for worthy causes. They are often both inspired and inspiring.

This year, Chadeish Yameinu has formally taken on the project of raising consciousness about the threat of global warming/global scorching. Having already sponsored an educational event on the issue, members of our community decided to try to bring this learning to action. And so, we have been encouraging carpooling, using less paper at our events, and distributing compact fluorescent bulbs.

Of course there are so many issues that are in need of attention, and it is of great comfort to know that so many of our members are involved- from opposing the war in Iraq to working for affordable housing in this county, from equality in marriage to the Arab-Israeli conflict, from the rights of migrant workers to the health of our living oceans... to creating and maintaining a vibrant and inclusive Jewish Renewal community. And yet, we cannot forget that right here and now, there are members of our own community who are in need of an act of kindness. There are folks who are in need of a ride, a visit, or a call. If you are able to offer an occasional ride or grocery shopping or a visit, please contact me so I can help you make the connection. It’s a mitzvah.

It is so easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. But as our sages teach, “Lo aylecha ha-m’lachah ligmor,” it is not upon us to do it all, only to do our part.