Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee (Healing the City) will begin its second year on Monday, Sept. 23, as it gathers in the sukkah at the home of Rabbi David Fine, 2950 N. Marietta Ave., at 7:30 p.m.
A collaborative program of Congregations Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and Shir Hadash, Lake Park Synagogue and Hillel Foundation-Milwaukee, it strives to combine Jewish learning with social action projects.
“This year,” said Judy Baruch, THI director, “we will continue our studies highlighting relationships and community building and focus our energies on social action projects.”
To that end, THI will work with the Grand Avenue Club on a series of projects with its members. The GAC is a 10-year-old clubhouse community serving the needs of adults recovering from mental illness. Staff and participants run the program together, which aims to integrate members in society and provide a range of employment, educational, recreational and social opportunities.
“GAC is a place where our members can come and participate in meaningful work. Membership is voluntary, free and open to any adult who has experienced mental illness,” said Rachel Forman, Ph.D., GAC executive director.
“Personally,” Forman added, “this joint venture represents the coming together of the whole idea of tikkun olam (repairing the world). And I’m thrilled, as a Jew, to see THI’s interest in the broader, metropolitan community.”
On Monday, Oct. 7, THI will meet at GAC’s new clubhouse at 210 E. Michigan Ave. at 5 p.m. to have dinner with WISH (Work Issues Supper Hour) members and a painting party to liven the clubhouse’s interior.
Forman explained that the new building was acquired through a capital campaign, but that “we could not afford to undertake some of the necessary renovation projects” that THI is helping with.
“I feel THI is excited to have tangible relationships with GAC members,” she said. “There is a great sense of respectfulness.”
“We held a study session at GAC last spring and decided to focus on it as we start our new year,” Baruch added. “Our members plan to be involved in a variety of issues.
Building a friendship base that bonds us together is a main focus, but we hope to be involved with tutoring, mentoring and helping with employment opportunities. In addition, we’re looking into other projects, too, because we have such a diverse membership. THI is truly interdenominational and intergenerational.
“Our mission is to provide a pluralistic approach to Jewish learning through classic texts and be accessible to all Jews regardless of affiliation. Further, we address urban issues from a Jewish perspective and enhance a Jewish presence in the city of Milwaukee.”
For more information about THI, call Judy Baruch, director, 414-444-3750 or visit jbaruch@tikkunha-ir.org.
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