What is Jewish Social Impact?

You feel a deep connection to Jewish tradition and its call to pursue justice (tzedakah) and work to repair the world (tikkun olam). But in today’s complex, interconnected world, how do these ancient values guide our actions? How do we choose where to focus our limited time, money, and energy to make the biggest difference?

Jewish Social Impact, as we define it at JSI, is about bringing together the best of Jewish tradition with evidence-based approaches to maximize our positive impact on the world. It’s about acting ethically not just by avoiding harm or being virtuous, but by actively “making the world better”.

At its core, Jewish Social Impact means:

1. Guided by Jewish Values: Drawing inspiration from thousands of years of Jewish thought, history, and culture, including commandments to aid the oppressed, give to the poor (tzedakah), and pursue justice. It recognizes the importance of repairing the world (tikkun olam) and our responsibility to future generations (L’dor V’dor).
2. Informed by Evidence and Reason: Using critical thinking, data, and rigorous analysis to determine which actions, charities, or career paths are most effective at improving lives. This involves embracing a “scout mindset” to seek the truth, even when it challenges our existing ideas.
3. Focusing on Impact: Aiming to promote the total expected wellbeing of all beings, considered impartially, over the long term. This means paying attention to the scale of problems, how neglected they are, and how tractable they are to solve. It implies considering the interests of those far away, non-human animals, and people in the distant future.
4. Taking Action: Translating knowledge into practical steps through effective giving, pursuing high-impact careers, and engaging in advocacy and community building.

This approach acknowledges that simply wanting to do good isn’t enough; we must also strive to do good effectively. It encourages us to look beyond traditional or local concerns when evidence suggests greater opportunities for impact exist elsewhere, while still valuing the rich history of Jewish philanthropy and social justice engagement.

Jewish Social Impact is not about replacing Jewish values with a secular philosophy, but about enriching our pursuit of tzedakah and tikkun olam with powerful tools for identifying the most pressing problems and the best ways to solve them. It’s an ongoing exploration within a supportive community.

Ready to explore the potential of Jewish Social Impact in your life? Get in touch with us!