Once again, our shul will participate in a worldwide movement to feed the hungry as part of the annual observance of Yom Kippur, often referred to as the “Fast of Isaiah,” the Biblical prophet who said, “And if you spend yourself in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”

Our campaign is called “Cans For CAST,” and is managed again this year by our shul’s Tikkun Olam group. You’ll see that the big red barrel is back, on the ramp by the entry door that leads to the sanctuary, not the kitchen door, which often is the barrel’s location. We ask that as you arrive for High Holiday services this year, you bring a can or two of food, and deposit in the barrel. Although the ritual is associated with Yom Kippur specifically, the barrel will be in place for Rosh Hashanah, and will remain  throughout the High Holiday season, which concludes with Simchat Torah on Oct. 26.

The concept that inspires “Cans For CAST” on Yom Kippur is that worshippers feeling the effects of hunger on a fast day will be reminded of those who struggle to nourish their families. Cans of fruit and soup are truly needed this year.

In addition to overseeing the “Cans For CAST” campaign, the Tikkun Olam group at our shul oversees the school supplies and the personal items campaigns, harvests vegetables and herbs  at Common Ground, and contributes to CAST’s Parent-Child-Plus Program. The Shofar joins the membership in thanking Veronica Kaliski, Susan Rosenstreich, Madelyn Rothman and Cookie Slade for their volunteer efforts on behalf of our shul for the benefit of CAST clients.

Veronica Kaliski told The Shofar that on a recent phone call to CAST, when she identified herself as being from Congregation Tifereth Israel, the respondent said, “Your synagogue does so much for us.”