WASHINGTON — As Hanukkah and Thanksgiving intersect, the Washington Hebrew Congregation is reaching out to provide holiday meals to more than 500 local families.
“When we have an opportunity, whether it’s a tsunami or hurricane, our congregation rallies to help others,” says Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig.
“When we think about how lucky we are and how fortunate we are, it is in part of the Jewish concept to share with others. To make sure that everyone in our community shares in our blessings.”
More than 200 volunteers turned out Tuesday evening to provide food through various projects. One includes preparing and cooking 150 green bean casseroles for Nourish Now in Montgomery County, Md.
Another is All the Fixin’s where bags are filled with the food necessary for a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 4-6. Inside the bag is turkey, a roasting pan, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, yams, homemade pumpkin bread and ingredients for a green bean casserole. Those bags will be taken to Simon Elementary School in Southeast D.C. and distributed to more than 220 families.
In total, more than 500 families will benefit from the efforts.
“Part of the culture of Judaism and certainly the culture of the Washington Hebrew Congregation is social justice and to give back to our community,” says organizer Janet Katz.
“It just warms my heart to see all this work begin done and impact we can have.”
The synagogue will team up with local churches on Thanksgiving Day to help hand out meals for those in need.
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