By Ellen Morgenstern
SAN DIEGO – This month Jews from all over the world observe the 10 holiest days in the Jewish faith (Days of Awe), the joyous celebration of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah, and the more solemn tradition of Yom Kippur where one repents for sins during the previous 12 months.
For many Reform Jews, like myself, it is a time of reflection and re-connection with family and friends, as well as the basic values of Judaism. One of those central to our religion is Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, a commandment which I was taught by my parents growing up in Brooklyn, New York. It is the concept of social justice which translates into social action to make the world a better place.
There is no shortage of ways one can work to improve the world these days given that we have so many challenges from climate warming to terrorism from an exodus of refugees fleeing the Middle East to devastating water shortages in California threatening agriculture and livestock in the largest state in the Union.
I am one of the lucky ones because my work has allowed me to channel my eagerness to improve the world into a social justice movement here in California since late 2013. After the Supreme Court handed down its ruling in the Windsor case in June, 2013 I have been laser focused on helping to educate same-sex couples about their new benefits under Social Security. While there were literally hundreds of new benefits conveyed in that one decision, none is as financially rewarding as Social Security and can help so many LGBT seniors who may be living in less than robust financial conditions. Under spousal benefits alone, a same-sex married couple in California may be entitled to $600 – $700 or more a month if they meet eligibility requirements of Social Security, now identical for same-sex or opposite sex couples. There are other benefits, too, related to disability, widow (er) s, and family benefits to name a few.
Know Your Rights/California has been travelling around California this year educating the LGBT Communities in Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Santa Ana and Palm Springs on what these rights entail and how to access them. In a unique collaboration between my organization, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation, the Social Security Administration and The California Wellness Foundation we have shared the important implications of both the Windsor and Obergfell decisions and urged folks to file for new benefits. For those who have followed through, many are now experiencing true marriage equality – and reaping substantial increases in their monthly checks.
San Diegans will have the opportunity to hear the highest Social Security official in the country talk about full equality for the LGBT Community when she visits on September 30th. Carolyn Colvin, Acting Commissioner, Social Security Administration will provide keynote remarks at the Know Your Rights/California Town Halls – in the morning and evening – followed by a moderated panel featuring national and local experts. It is open to all.
In addition to the fact that individuals will now be treated equally and respectfully, the additional resources that will flow to San Diego’s economy could be substantial since most Social Security beneficiaries spend their checks in the communities where they live. In California, the largest state in the country, Social Security benefits provide almost $80 Billion each year. That’s not chopped liver!
When we approached Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue about holding our Town Halls at his synagogue at Third and Laurel Streets, he was more than encouraging. “We will do whatever we can to help you with this outreach,” he told us. “This is important work,” he said.
He immediately understood our mission and its consequences.
Rabbi Meltzer is uniquely familiar with the concept of Tikkun Olam and the need for social action to repair the world. In particular, we hope San Diego’s LGBT Jewish community will join us on September 30th.
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Morgenstern is the Project Director for the Know Your Rights/California Initiative. You may register for the upcoming San Diego Town Hall meetings on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at http://www.knowyourrightssd.com, and follow the discussion via #KnowYourRightsSD.