The Goal Is To Fill The Barrel To Fill Tummies

Once again, our shul will participate in a worldwide movement to feed the hungry as part of the annual observance of Yom Kippur. This mitzvah often is 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.”

You’ll see that the big red barrel is back, on the ramp by the entry door that leads to the Sanctuary and the Community Room.

We ask that as you arrive for High Holiday services this year, you bring a can or two of food to 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. 14.

 

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.

Our campaign is called “Cans For CAST,” and is managed again this year by our shul’s Tikkun Olam group. In addition to overseeing the “Cans For CAST” campaign, the Tikkun Olam group at our shul harvests vegetables and herbs at Common Ground and contributes to CAST’s other collection campaigns and programs. The Shofar joins the membership in thanking Veronica Kaliski, Susan Lipson, 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.”