From the Bima Blog

There is a beautiful teaching in Pirkei Avot, a book of wisdom found in the Talmud. Im ein kemach, ein Torah; Im ein Torah, ein kemach  – Without bread, there is no Torah; without Torah, there is no bread.” This instruction from our ancient tradition reminds us that when people do not have enough to eat, the work of Torah – of spiritual sustenance and connected community – is impossible. And that it is our responsibility to help mend this injustice.

This Shabbat, SNAP benefits for close to 42 million people will literally run out. We know that over 1 million of these recipients are Massachusetts residents, and many are our neighbors. We cannot stand idly by and watch this happen without trying to help. As local food banks and community organizations ready themselves to provide the extra support for those in need, please know we are also ready to help whoever we can. If you or someone you love or even your neighbor is in need, please reach out to a member of our clergy team. We have some resources to help in the short term, and stand ready to connect people with additional resources in the larger community. 

Additionally, we are trying to figure out how our community can best share our access to abundance, as we provide real care and compassion and physical sustenance for our neighbors. The most immediate support for those in need is via organizations like the Newton Food Pantry, which has established an Emergency Relief Fund. Additionally Temple Shalom participates in Family Table in Waltham, by way of a monthly donation of tuna and whole wheat crackers. Donations of these items are always needed! You can simply leave them in our lobby collection bins.

There will likely be other efforts as this challenge continues. Stay tuned for ways you can help – and get the help that you, your family and/or your neighbors most need.