Chessed: Caring for our Community
““The cornerstone of Rabbi Nosson Zvi’s service to God was chessed. This to him meant being careful of another’s honor and dignity, helping others, having one’s own heart overflow with love and kindness, utilizing every opportunity to benefit others... Above all it meant that one should greet his fellow with a pleasant countenance, because it makes the other feel good and binds people together in friendship.”
Chessed: Caring for our Community
The goal of the Temple HBT Chessed Committee is to extend life cycle support in times of need and celebration to members of our community. Whether a congregant is recovering from an illness or juggling the demands of a new baby, our community wants to help when needed. At times, Chessed takes a large, coordinated effort, at others just a few minutes of time. We encourage families and friends to notify the synagogue office or call a member of the Chessed Committee when you hear of a congregant who might need support.
Our online community of volunteers uses the online sign-up software SignUpGenius to simplify volunteer management and make the mitzvah of Chessed easy. New volunteers are always welcome. When you register for a free online account at SingUpGenius.com, you will be notified of needs within our community, providing you with the opportunity to make a one-time commitment. It might be dropping off a home-cooked meal, picking up a few items at the grocery store or just making a friendly phone call.
Help us spread cheer, nourishment, helping hands or a friendly ear during a congregant’s time of need. As community members each of us can help uplift spirits as we reach out and build connections among HBT members and families.
To start receiving notices about how you can help support fellow congregants, email Benita at bblock@templehbt.org who will add you to HBT's list of willing volunteers.
Family Table
HBT collects food year-round for Family Table. Sponsored by Jewish Family and Childrens Services, Family Table is the largest kosher food pantry in New England. Please help us keep the collection bin in the lobby full with boxes of raisins and crackers (Kosher certification preferred but not required).
MAZON Partner Synagogue
We support Mazon (a Jewish Response to Hunger) in many ways and encourage members to contribute as a way of sharing our joy and bounty with others. As part of the bar or bat mitzvah celebration, we ask for a family contribution to MAZON; the customary donation is 3% of the cost of food at the celebration.
Donate
Temple HBT in conjunction with Big Brother Big Sister Foundation is collecting clothing, shoes, household textiles and accessories.
Please place your items in our bin to help thousands of children throughout Massachusetts.
· All types,sizes and styles of clothing (women, men and children)
·Household textiles (blankets, towels, curtains)
·Shoes and sneakers
·Accessories (purses, backpacks, belts, jewelry, hats, gloves, socks and more)!