Sunday, October 20, was a very special day for Temple Beth Sholom. Over 100 people from Paver Religious School, Temple Beth Sholom Schools, and the congregantion participated in TBS's Family Mitzvah Day program, organized by Social Action Committee co-chairs Willie and Norm Walter.
Students, parents, and religious school teachers worked diligently on the beautification of Colonial Oaks Park by pulling weeds and picking up trash. Other students created cards to be sent to the Israel Defense Forces. Another group joined Hazzan Jeffrey Weber and buried religious objects in the Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery.
The adults were assigned to one of several other activities: sorting food for All Faiths Food Bank, restocking clothing and toys at Mothers Helping Mothers, or making sandwiches for The Salvation Army, Resurrection House, and the Boys and Girls Club. A mobile blood bank was collecting on site and non-perishable food was donated to the Jewish Family and Children's Services pantry.
Ongoing programs include making casseroles for The Salvation Army's homeless, collecting food and baby-related donations, and working with Family Promise, a local organization that helps families achieve sustainable self-sufficiency. In November, TBS' Social Action took a group back to the All Faiths Food Bank to help with the BackPack Kids Program.
This committee continues to plan monthly Social Action activities in the Sarasota community. If you would like more information, please contact Temple Beth Sholom at 941-955-8121.