September 24, 2026

 Dear Out of the Cold Volunteers and Supporters.

 As the end of September nears, by now, we’ve likely turned for a sweater, closed-toe shoes, a bowl of soup. We have also turned to seasonal rituals, both secular and religious. The Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot begins tomorrow night. Within our prayers, we read the incredibly moving Book of Ecclesiastes, Kohelet. 

 “A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven.”  (Following is the OOTC edition :))

 A time to build the fragile shelter, the sukkah, a temporary dwelling which leaves those who inhabit it vulnerable.

A time to harvest; a time of bounty; a time of leaving a corner of the fields unharvested so that those in need can, in dignity, be sustained.

A time to answer bitter cold; a time to answer the commandment to clothe the naked.

A time to turn to one another to lead lives of purpose and blessing. 

 Hamilton’s Jewish community is at it again!  Our 26th year providing hot nutritious food to those in need is set to begin!  Here’s how you can participate. 

 If we are once again called with an anonymous farmer’s donation of produce, please let us know NOW if you are able to peel, chop, bag and freeze.

Would you please let me know as soon as possible if you will be a returning volunteer and confirm the time/shift that works best for you. We’re so pleased to continue our program from Erskine Presbyterian starting on Remembrance Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, alternating weeks with Frank’s team until the end of March. If you know others who would like to join, there is an orientation on Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Central Presbyterian Church.  As Rabbi Sharon Brous wrote, “You want to find yourself? Go feed someone who’s hungry. That may not be your life’s work, but it will surely help you discover what is.”

Donate clean warm winter coats, boots, socks, hats and gloves. Toiletries are greatly appreciated. Plan a food drive; we can guide you. Did you know that we are the only group that is self-funded? Monetary donations may be made by calling Beth Jacob Synagogue, 905-522-1351. Gifts-in-kind are especially appreciated and they don’t need to come wrapped.

 Finally, this is the “time for every experience under heaven” moment for me to step back satisfied and assured that Sarah Goodman, Norma Jack, Carolyn Molot and Debbie Strub are excited and ready to use all their talents, experiences and wisdom to embrace our program’s leadership role. Their generosity of time and intention will continue to bring joy, Jewish values and repair to this impermanent and imperfect world. As Beth Jacob’s Rabbi Beni Wajnberg taught in his stunning Rosh Hashanah remarks, “Torah is not transmitted only through Torah scrolls. Sometimes it is passed from one Jewish soul to another through a worn paperback.” 

Our worn paperback is a fresh OOTC, a beautiful image of mesorah.

 Chag Sukkot Sameach.  

Cindy 

March 31, 2026

 Dear Friends, 

“Every year at the Seder, we sing Dayenu. It would have been enough.
A strange idea, because the reality is, we never stop at “enough.” We keep building, growing, advancing. Passover reminds us that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in steps. And each step carries responsibility.”
Excerpts from Michael Bresler, Times of Israel

OOTC never stops at ‘enough.’

Predicting how many meals will be requested by our guests, challenged us to go beyond expectations, often granting us enough to take extras to community fridges. (If you are one to drop off canned goods, non-perishables, fruits and vegetables, linger a little longer.  You may just have a chat with a recipient who wishes to extend their good wishes, words of wisdom, a joke, a connection.)  

Just last Wednesday, as we placed all that we had left, clothes, books, toiletries, on tables for our guests to take away, the wardrobe department of the film crew renting space at Erskine Church, added some of the cast’s clothing to our pop up store!  (Watch for Puppies in the Palace appearing at Christmastime.) 

After the Sea splits (aka our program ends,) the real challenge begins. We haven’t done enough, so we continue to look and listen for the ways we can help those in our community who suffer. Save those winter boots, gloves and hats for the start of our next season.  Share your experience supporting OOTC to others who may wish to contribute ‘enough’ to feed our guests next season.  

Our group distributed 2,570 meals this season over 10 weeks. The overall program distributed 35,500 meals. The letters from three of our guests animate those numbers. 

“Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time. Without this, there would be days I don't eat at all.”

“Poverty isn't a lack of character, it's a lack of cash. Rutger Bregman. The services that are provided by your staff reflect a generosity concept. The best things in life are not things. As an urban castaway who is restricted from producing a good or service that generates value added, your dedication and efforts are a significant solace during rough times we're going through. If I have the choice between HOOTC or using a fast food chain gift card, which one offers the best meal? A bag of good quality nutriments offered in full respect by your team members triggers a significant positive impact. Back when I was normal, it made me feel good to participate in benevolent activities. There are lots of people involved in the HOOTC program and hence, I am hoping they feel good about their efforts and energy serving people who are less fortunate. Thank you so much for volunteering during these times of uncertainty. Volunteers like you genuinely and positively change our community. You strive towards making a difference; your passion, expertise and energy are unparalleled, and I respect your spirit of volunteerism immensely. Thank you for being so selfless with us and for so many in whose lives you make a tangible difference.”

“So very appreciative of all of you. The delicious meals are warmth and support. Both are always so heartwarming.”

In these testimonials, one reads between the lines of the matzo to discover the broken Afikomen, right? 
“Objects break, hearts break.  Some things can be repaired.  Others cannot.  Confronting brokenness is the beginning of the road home. It is where healing and tikkun – repair- begin.  Erica Brown

We really mean it when we say THANK YOU for everything you have done!  We never have ‘enough’ of you.

Wishing you Chag Sameach, Happy Passover and Easter!

Cindy