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
