Congregants collect blankets for BESP shelter

The Social Action Committee at Temple Beth Elohim (TBE) is made up of Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess, and Connecticut congregants who engage members and its religious school students in tikkun olam (repairing the world) through charity and social advocacy projects.  Through the Social Action Committee’s efforts, TBE congregants donated over $1,700 and more than 100 items including meals and supplies to support the Brewster Emergency Shelter Partnership (BESP).  This shelter provides meals and housing for the homeless during the winter months.  Additional Social Action Committee projects this year included collecting and distributing blankets and canned vegetables for the Dorothy Day House in Danbury, which provides meals and housing for those in need, and collecting diapers and baby food which was distributed to needy families by the Community Center of Northern Westchester.  The committee also crocheted and knitted shawls for Connecticut Regional Hospice in Danbury.  The Committee is still collecting new and gently used outerwear such as warm jackets, gloves, hats, and boots for the Dorothy Day House and Putnam Cap (Community Action Partnership).  Mona Halter, a member of the Committee at TBE said, “I was inspired by the volunteers at my job who do a lot of good for the local community in Mount Kisco.  I wanted to give back to those less fortunate in my hometown of Brewster.  This past Christmas Eve, my son and I joined other volunteers from our temple to feed some of those unfortunate souls.  What an amazing feeling it was to prepare a well-balanced meal for a very grateful group of people!” Dr. Glenn Weiss, another committee member said, “Sleeping at an overnight shelter is an eye opening experience. The homeless men who stayed there were very appreciative of the food that was prepared for them, along with the shelter provided and a place to clean up and rest. It was also in some ways very routine for them. Part of their appreciation is shown by helping out. They were very instrumental in instructing and assisting me in putting my cot together.  The experience certainly puts things into proper perspective, and although it may seem tiresome to say, those of us who have regular food, clothing and shelter should always be very thankful. Whatever "first world" problems we have, they most likely pale in comparison to being homeless.”   Temple Beth Elohim is located at 31 Mt Ebo Road N, Brewster. www.templebethelohim.org or call 845 279 4585.


Photo:

Front row: David Eppinger, Carmel, NY; Lindy Cosden, Pawling, NY; Rabbi Gold, Queens, NY; Amy Gerlitz, Danbury, CT;

Back row: Glenn Weiss, Somers, NY; Stephanie Gray, Holmes, NY; Penny Cataldo, Brewster, NY; Suanne Ritchey, Brewster, NY; Leslie Root, Katonah, NY; Mona Halter, Brewster, NY; Margaret Leibowitz, Brewster, NY; Allison Shaw, Goldens Bridge, NY

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Submitted by New Fairfield, CT

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