Hesed Fridge

TBA’s Food Pantry has Reopened!

One of the foundational mitzvot in Judaism, and particularly this time of year during Purim and Passover, is to feed all those who are hungry. There is no definition around “who are hungry” only the notion that if you need food that it is our obligation as Jews to fulfill that need. 

Beth Am is hoping to fulfill this need and complete this mitzvah with the re-opening of our food pantry! Any Beth Am/Pressman/JLC parents, staff or family are welcome to take from the refrigerator on the first floor (next to the giftshop) if you are food insecure, know of someone who is in need of food in your own circles or on your walk home, or who know of a food pantry that could benefit from our abundance.

Leftovers from synagogue programs and kiddushes are labeled, dated, and put into a fridge that anyone can access, no questions asked. We need your help to fulfill this mitzvah by volunteering and passing the word around to make sure all those who are hungry come to eat, or receive food from your hands. 

פּוֹתֵ֥חַ אֶת־יָדֶ֑ךָ וּמַשְׂבִּ֖יעַ לְכׇל־חַ֣י רָצֽוֹן׃

Poteah Et Yadekha U’Masbia L’khol Hai Ratzon

Open your hand and satiate all living beings to their content.

 

We need a rotation of volunteers to help us maintain the cleanliness, organization and distribution of the food if it is not taken or used. What’s involved:

  •  Sign-up to be in charge for a particular week. Link to the sign-up sheet is here.
  • Swing by the black “hesed fridge” on the first floor on Sunday late morning/afternoon, Tuesday PM or Thursday PM. Ensure that the food inside is organized and still fresh.
  • If the food has not been taken after 2-3 days of its labeling, package the food in containers (provided) to give to someone in need, either someone you know or see on your way home. Our goal is to make sure this food reaches those who need it!
  •  If the food is no longer fresh, dispose of the food in a compost bin.

This minimal time commitment can lead to significant community impact. Thank you for helping support this mitzvah! 

For more information, contact Gil Hopenstand with TBA Social Action: