Social Responsibility July 2016 Our Identity Being socially - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Social Responsibility July 2016

Our Identity  Being socially responsible is Personal an important part of who and Family we are as engaged and aware Communal outward – facing Jews and Israel Societal  Social responsibility involves and Global having a circle of concern that starts with ourselves and our families, moves outwards to our own community - including Israel - then on to British society and globally

Defining Social Responsibility  Preference for using the term ‘Social Responsibility’  The Chief Rabbi on Social Responsibility: “Within Jewish thought and tradition we speak about our responsibility to G-d, and part of that is a responsibility to our fellow human beings. Our responsibility towards others, our awareness and empathy for them, the need to reach out and assist them, is an integral part of our service of G- d.”

Approach  Ensure Social Responsibility is a greater priority across British Jewry  Provide an inspiring example and opportunities for Rabbanim and members of our communities to engage in practical Social Responsibility activity

Refugee Crisis “As Jews, many of us have family members who were refugees and our heritage must inform the way that we respond to the migrant crisis. This is a deep and tragic humanitarian emergency.” Chief Rabbi Mirvis

India Visit “India is a truly special part of the rich tapestry of Commonwealth countries. Yet, in amongst the incomparable character and beauty of what we saw, there is desperate poverty, hunger and deprivation. ..I was pleased to see, first- hand how support from the UK Jewish community is being used to help those in great need.” Chief Rabbi Mirvis

Illiteracy and India 774 million adults without basic literacy skills globally – 64% are women Centrality of education in Jewish tradition 90% of Indian 287 million children from adults estimated poorer to be illiterate households in India are illiterate

The Chief Rabbi’s Study Trips Outline  Jewish university students participate in a 1 week Study Trip in India  Gain exposure to issues in the areas of illiteracy and social mobility  Programme provided within an orthodox-friendly framework Outcome  Build a cohort of inspired ‘Ambassadors’ who then engage in UK-based or international initiatives on their return