Temple Beth El Lights Up the Holidays

December 2023

By Madeline White

Temple Beth El (TBE) is embracing the holiday spirit with multiple community outreach initiatives, offering its members numerous ways to give back to those in need and spread cheer this season.

Project Snowflake Partners with Roof Above

In collaboration with Roof

Above, Project Snowflake aims to ensure clients have a warm holiday season. Temple Beth El invites its congregants and the wider community to participate in three ways.

First, a limited number of volunteers are needed to serve breakfast on Christmas Day morning, kicking off with preparations at 6 a.m. with meal service beginning at 7:30 a.m. For those unavailable to assist on Christmas Day, there’s an option to drop off breakfast casseroles in advance. Can’t cook? Costco gift card donations are also appreciated to help offset breakfast expenses. To learn more about how to help, contact Nicole Sidman, Temple Beth El’s director of congregational life, at nsidman@templebethel.org.

Donation Drive for Local Shelters

As we settle into the colder months, Temple Beth El is taking proactive measures to ensure a warm winter for the city’s most vulnerable. This year, in collaboration with Project Snowflake, TBE’s Brotherhood has extended its partnership with Roof Above and its men’s shelter, the Howard Levine Men’s Shelter, by hosting a donation drive focusing on collecting essential warm winter items. Please bring new blankets and towels and new or gently used winter coats, gloves, mittens, and hats for men, women, and children to TBE. Donations are accepted until Dec. 14. We can all make a difference during this chilly season.

Supporting Sterling Families

We are excited for another year of hosting a Giving Tree for Sterling Elementary School families. This year, we are committing to sponsor 35 families. Each family will receive a $40 Walmart gift card, in addition to the gifts on their wish list, including cozy winter jackets, books, toys, and more. TBE warmly invites contributions from all. Donors can use the link provided at www.templebethel.org/chanukah or select a “leaf” from the Giving Tree in the lobby.

In the spirit of the holidays, we remain committed to bettering the lives of those in our community. Through these projects, we are reminded of the strength and generosity within all of us. As we light our chanukiot and share in festive celebrations, we give back to ensure that we light up the lives of those around us. From our Temple Beth El family to yours, we wish you a season of warmth, joy, and cherished memories.