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The food drive is the area's largest for the past six years, say staff.
Photo by Ian SwabyRabbi Brenner Glickman and Ba'alat Shofar Maxine Mintz, a member of Temple Emanu-El's confirmation class. The Ba'alat Shofar is the individual who blows the shofar, a musical horn.
Courtesy photoKugel was one of the dishes available during the dinner.
Photo by Ian SwabyBarbara Gerber, Ronni Loundy and Loretta Bauman talk.
Photo by Ian SwabyVideographer Jim Ramer and his 9-year-old daughter Arielle Ramer.
Photo by Ian SwabyJoah Sigal-Verier, 8, and Avi Sigal-Verier, 5, talk with Officer Logan Mayer.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe breaking of the fast was celebrated with tables of food.
Photo by Ian SwabyDori Goldfarb talks with Amy, Gabrielle and David Meese.
Photo by Ian SwabySisterhood Co-President Susan Simon, 10-month-old Hannah Hubschmitt, Ken Simon and Heath Simon.
Photo by Ian SwabyLoretta Bauman and Barbara Gerber gather their food as they break the fast.
Photo by Ian SwabyRabbi Brenner Glickman talks with Denise Foster.
Photo by Ian SwabySocial Action Committee chair Susan Rosenbaum and Social Action Committee member Barbara Peltz with her husband Mark Peltz.
Photo by Ian SwabyAround the same time members at Temple Emanu-El were fasting for Yom Kippur, they had also been donating food, as the crates on display and filled with food items showed on the night of Sept. 25.
“For far too many people in our community, it's not a choice to fast; it’s not a choice not to have all of the food that they need,” said Rabbi Elaine Glickman.
The food drive, held each year during the High Holidays for All Faiths Food Bank, has been honored by the food bank as the most successful fundraiser and food drive for the past six years, said Glickman.
The High Holy Days begin on Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish new year, and conclude 10 days later on Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and repentance.
Social Action Committee Chair Susan Rosenbaum called All Faiths Food Bank a wonderful nonprofit organization, stating members were glad to support it now more than ever amid current issues in the community with hunger.
She said the process of bringing together the donations has been well-established. During Rosh Hashanah, donation bags are offered. Starting at that time, publicity is sent to congregants and a list of suggested foods, which includes many healthy items, is provided.
“It it feels good; you’re giving, you don’t have to get anything back,” said Social Action Committee member and former Chair Barbara Peltz. “It’s called a true mitzvah, when you do something from your heart, and you don't expect anything in return.”
“It’s a very generous congregation,” said Rosenbaum, noting she hopes that the food drive will continue its winning streak this year.
Following an evening service on Sept. 25, the temple celebrated the breaking of the fast during Yom Kippur with a dinner that featured many traditional dishes including noodle kugel, lox and bagels with cream cheese.
The temple’s sisterhood helped with the event by cooking the food on offer, while its brotherhood provided additional support.
“People love doing this,” said sisterhood member Susan Meisel. “It’s a whole community effort.”