Every year, as we head toward Thanksgiving, our thoughts often turn to giving back to our communities and to helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Giving back and contributing to our communities at this time of year can take a myriad of forms, like volunteering at a Soup Kitchen or donating to a Food Pantry, to donating winter clothes or unopened toys at drives for children who may not be able to afford them.

At TBS, we also have various programs established through our Social Action, one of our most active committees, focusing on Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place.

Everyone who has been to the synagogue has seen the bins in the back hallway, and those who have attended any service have heard them mentioned in the announcements. Our programs range from donating time at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, to supplies and materials at any number of facilities like the Keefe Community Center or the Towers. Recently we held our annual drive for Save a Suit, to collect work clothes for Veterans returning to civilian life. Beyond the programs through Social Action, collection bins are also periodically set up for donations by our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students for their Mitzvah projects.

In addition to helping out in our community at large, there are also ways to volunteer at the synagogue, that require as little as a few hours a month. These opportunities can involve anything from helping to organize holiday programs and Shabbat dinners, to being part of a group that organizes and sets up the Onegs and Kiddushes after services on Fridays and Saturdays. Regardless of what the activity is, I want to take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks to everyone who gives of their time and energy to make each event the best it can be.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Josh Weissman
TBS President