Dear Friends,
Many of you will remember that before COVID, OOTC recipients were truly guests, seated and served indoors. During Hanukkah, our many Jewish volunteers would gather in the church by our Hanukkiah, light candles and sing the blessings as a couple of hundred guests would look on, later to be served latkes, brisket, holiday cookies and more. It was our public proclamation mitzvah, Pirsum HaNes, of the miraculous events in the days of the Maccabees.
Since the horrific attack on Jews peacefully celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia, we will continue to live openly proclaiming our values and faith. As we do every year, this Wednesday, we will enclose dreidels and Hanukkah cookies in our takeaway bags along with a messages of hope.
From the "Palisade Five and Dime,” sharing warm items, we will show our kindness for our neighbours with the prayer that it will be returned in kind.
Thank you for your continuous donations of toiletries, warm coats, gloves and hats. Thank you to Carol, retired Hamilton Police Services and our reception/security on duty Dec. 3. She literally gave a guest the warm gloves from her hands when we had none left.
Oil, a symbol of what can create light, is amazing for Hanukkah but not so good for the pipes at Erskine Presbyterian Church. Please discard oil and grease in a jar or tin, place in fridge and it will be disposed of properly. Phew, can you believe I tied that to Hanukkah. Another miracle.
We are on hiatus until January 14, but maybe you’d like to keep limber. Other locations may need ‘fill-in’ volunteers from time to time, even after the new year. Our office has created a Volunteer-Fill-In List for those who may be called on short notice to help. If you are interested in being placed on this list, email hootc97@gmail.com.
May the holidays and the new year bring you peace, light, and good health.
Cindy
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