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A congregation's social action efforts are often addressed by a few people or a single committee through tzedakah and g'milut chasidim. BJBE's Panim el Panim initiative makes social justice a central part of the life of the congregation, adding a third component to social action--engaging the entire congregation in shinui kivun (changing direction or challenging the status quo).

What is Panim el Panim? Hebrew for "face to face," Panim el Panim is BJBE's congregation based community organizing initiative. Central to Panim el Panim is the relational meeting, a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation. Officially launched with Rabbi Linder's 2005 High Holy day sermon, Panim el Panim brings BJBE members together in these face-to-face conversations building relationships by identifying shared values and concerns and sharing the stories behind them. Creating new relationships builds a community of trust, collaboration and challenge.