Justice + Activism / צדק
Shared Society Project
At The Kitchen, we believe that Jewish tradition calls us not just to bear witness, but to act – to seek justice, dignity, and connection even when the world feels most broken.
In early 2024, members of our community came together to create the Shared Society Initiative, a grassroots effort to support Israelis and Palestinians working to build a future rooted in partnership and mutual respect. We recognize that after October 7, the work of creating shared spaces – where Jews and Palestinians come to know each other as human beings, not as enemies – is more critical than ever.
The Shared Society Initiative is not about offering political solutions from afar. Our role is to listen, learn, and lend support to the individuals and organizations on the ground who are committed to the difficult, courageous work of building a shared society.
We focus on three core areas:
Learning We are educating ourselves and our community about the landscape of shared society work through study, conversation, and direct engagement with leaders in the field.
Moral Support We are building relationships with educators, activists, environmentalists, and others who remain committed to connection over division, and amplifying their voices within our community.
Material Support We are helping to bring Israeli and Palestinian shared society leaders to the Bay Area, creating opportunities for learning, friendraising, and fundraising to deepen our partnerships.
The pursuit of justice is not theoretical. It’s a daily act of courage. Join us in supporting those who are living that courage right now.
We are proud to have brought the following organizations to The Kitchen & San Francisco Community. Each, in their own way, models what it means to choose hope over fear, community over separation.
Givat Haviva
Hand in Hand
Standing Together
Parents Circle Family Forum & American Friends of Parents Circle Family Forum
Upcoming Events:
To get involved with the Shared Society Initiative, whether to attend events or help organize, sign up for our email list below.
Holding on to Humanity with the Parents Circle Family Forum
April 9, 2025 at the JCCSF
Co-sponsors: JCCSF & NIF
Kitchen + GLIDE
A covenant of justice is in motion. We’ve partnered with GLIDE's Center for Social Justice in the Tenderloin — a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization. We’ve joined them to serve meals, bake challahs, volunteer as tutors, build relationships and learn from the brilliant and holy people behind Glide’s mighty justice machinery.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work but don’t know where to start?
Email Rabbi Michael Lezak for all things GLIDE, including the programs below.
One City
We have partnered with GLIDE Walk-In-Center, which works with hundreds of bright, righteous people each week who are wrestling with poverty, addiction and/or mental health challenges. Many of these people are trying to meet their basic needs—shelter, furniture, clothing. One City will serve as a hub to connect Kitchen-ites to GLIDE clients.
Have an extra bed, couch, refrigerator, or more in your home? Someone in the Tenderloin could use it. If you can’t deliver it yourself a Kitchen-ite or the GLIDE truck can come to your door and deliver to those who are poised to appreciate these gifts.
Serve Meals at GLIDE
Serving a meal in the Daily Free Meals Program can be a transformative experience. The shift starts with clamshell prep at 6:30 AM and breakfast is served to the community from 7:30 to 9 AM. We serve the most meals during this shift. Our older adult and differently abled guests are served first, and the all access meals line opens at 8 AM. Volunteers assist with everything from plating food and sanitizing the workspace, to handing out boxed meals, silverware and drinks. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, break a sweat, and make some beautiful human connections!
Sign up for breakfast service on the GLIDE calendar here.
Challah Team
A rotating group of Kitchen volunteers bake challot and other goodies for GLIDE staff to help feed the people who feed the people. We’re a small, closed team but we occasionally have room for a new Kitchen-ite. If you are interested in joining the baking, email Michael Lezek, GLIDE Rabbi here.
Environmental Justice
The Kitchen is committing to doing t’shuva, or reparation, in our relationship with the land and the environment. Through study, action and protest we are committed to advancing environmental justice.
Interested in learning more? Learn more here.
Rainmakers
The Rainmakers mission is inform, empower, and mobilize the Kitchen community to act for climate justice in a uniquely Kitchen way.
Our goals:
Create a platform for Rainmakers to support Kitchen-ites to advocate policy change
Rainmakers educate and support Kitchen community to make climate smart lifestyle choices and changes
Integrate climate into our Jewish theology - Contextualize nature. The spiritual imperative of climate justice action
Check the calendar for upcoming Rainmaker events & meetings.