Returning to its pre-Covid services and programming, DOS has formed a Social Action Committee, whose mission is to “repair the world.” The program is based on the Jewish concept known as Tikkun Olam, which refers to various forms of action intended to repair and improve the world. The program is in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert.
The initial focus of social action will be multi- generational, with teenager Max Margolis fulfilling his mitzvah project (a good deed — conscious acts of empathy and kindness), raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At the other end of the generational focus, the Social Action Committee will support Grandparents for Gun Safety, whose vision is: All members of our community have the right to feel safe from gun violence.
As part of his bar mitzvah, Max Margolis’ special project was postponed due to Covid. It will now be held on September 30, 2023, and he will play 100 holes of golf from 7 am – to dusk to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Max had this to say about the event: “When I was younger, unfortunately, I lost a teen-age cousin to leukemia, who I watched fight and suffer for too many years. I feel the least I can do is complete my mitzvah project by arranging this fundraiser, which can hopefully go towards finding a cure or saving a child’s life.”
Grandparents for Gun Safety focus on solutions by promoting gun safety, educating the community, and seeking common-ground gun reform that respects the rights of gun owners and non-owners alike. Among other efforts, the group has distributed thousands of free gun locks in many communities around the country.
In commenting on the social action efforts, Rabbi King said the following: “Desert Outreach Synagogue, since its inception in 2016, has strived to live up to our Outreach name, and all are welcome. But Outreach also means that we support, and to the extent possible, participate in important national and local efforts to ‘repair the world.’”
He went on to say, “We are thrilled to have congregants so actively involved in the Social Action Committee led by Arnie Kaminsky and Ellie Marks. In particular, we are delighted to collaborate with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert, at whose Church we hold our services.
About Desert Outreach Synagogue (DOS):
DOS is a non-denominational Jewish congregation founded in 2016 by Rabbi Dr. Jules King and a small group of dedicated individuals. It was founded to create a welcoming and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds. DOS is a place where people can learn about Judaism, celebrate the holidays, and connect with other Jewish people in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley. The synagogue’s growth was interrupted by Covid but has since returned to monthly services at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert.
According to Rabbi King, “At DOS, we celebrate our Jewish heritage in an egalitarian atmosphere that invites participation and creativity. These programs and other under development reflects our promise to the community and important causes.”
“Come join us! You already belong!”
About Rabbi King:
Rabbi Dr. Jules King was ordained and received his ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion in California in Los Angeles. Rabbi King earned his doctorate at the Claremont Schoolof Theology in the D. Min., Spiritual Renewal, Contemplative Practice, and Strategic Leadership program. He founded DOS in 2016, together with a handful of congregants, all of whom had thisin common: a synagogue that welcomes everyone; everyone is accepted and respected regardless of race, gender, political affiliation, or sexual orientation; a commitment to social justice; and offers programs for all ages and lifestyles.
About Max Margolis:
Max just turned 16 and finished his sophomore year of high school. His passion is playing golf and being a high-achieving student at Palm Desert High School. He has been playing golf since he was 5 years old.
On September 30th, 2023, starting at 7 A.M., he will play up to 100 holes of golf at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. As he put it, “I will play non-stop until I can no longer see the ball due to the light, and while the temperature could easily be 100+ degrees, I am determined to achieve my goal and hope that I will get the support of the large golfing community plus family and friends to reach my $20,000 goal.”
Click here to learn more about the event
About Grandparents for Gun Safety:
Grandparents for Gun Safety was founded in 2013 in the wake of the lack of Congressional action following the Sandy Hook shooting that claimed 27 victims, including 20 children. Since the very beginning, we have emphasized education, safety, and the need for common ground gun reform, including universal background checks, waiting periods for gun purchases, and other reforms to reduce the danger of gun violence. We are not against guns; we are against gun violence.
For more information: https://grandparentsforgunsafety.org
About the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert:
We are a sanctuary for diversity, spiritual growth, and social justice. We welcome all people regardless of race, color, creed, political persuasion, and sexual orientation. Our church has no required system of belief. Rather, we explore and share a variety of spiritual experiences so each of us can develop an understanding meaningful to us personally. DOS services are held here once a month.