Have you visited the BJBE Tzedakah Niche lately?
Maybe you passed by it on your way into the Sanctuary. Maybe you dropped off some canned food, or some old eye glasses. Maybe you put some shekels in the beautiful tzedakah box on the wall. Well, whether you visited last year or last month, it’s time to come by again!
We have been working to revamp the collection areas in the niche to better align with our monthly tzedakah recipient and the needs of local community organizations. We will have some perennial collections (like toiletries and recycling for eye glasses and hearing aids); we will have rotating seasonal collections of food and clothing; and, the center cabinet will rotate in connection to our monthly tzedakah recipient.
The top right cabinet contains “Blessing Bags” made by the congregation. These bags are filled with necessities for someone living on the street. If you are heading into the city, stop by to grab a bag (or two or three!) to give to someone in need. The bottom right cabinet is labeled “Genizah.” A genizah is a burial site for Jewish ritual items; if you have prayer books, tallitot, or other sacred items that you no longer need, please deposit them here so they can be properly disposed of or reused.
But how will you know when the collections are rotating? Great question. First, check your email for a notice in This Week, and be on the lookout for posts in the BJBE Community Facebook page. Or you can stop by the Tzedakah Niche to see the helpful display labels describing what is being collected in each bin. And while you’re there, take a look at the main display case which will include information about upcoming advocacy opportunities.
If you are interested in helping maintain the Tzedakah Niche, please contact Melanie Berkowitz or Rabbi Fenster.
Next time you come to the synagogue, consider bringing something to donate. Even better, make a habit of bringing something each time you come to the building.
Thank you for the sacred work of tzedakah that you have done and will continue to do for this congregation.