As Christmas approaches, not everyone is decking the halls and singing carols. For Jewish volunteers across the nation, this holiday season is a time to double down on community service, stepping in to serve those in need while others celebrate. Take the members of Temple Beth-El in San Antonio, for instance, who are foregoing the usual festivities to prepare hot meals for those less fortunate. Senior Rabbi Mara Nathan told KENS 5 that for them, Christmas is "an opportunity to give back, especially to the more vulnerable populations."
The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) and the organization Tikun are spearheading efforts to mobilize volunteers during the holiday. Leonie Lewis, director of JVN, mentioned to The Jewish Chronicle that their ranks include individuals wrapping presents, and helping the elderly in hospices, with hundreds expected to participate. This year, initiatives have branched out, willing to aid an array of faith-based organizations, like a Sikh charity, and an Afghan refugee support group who rely heavily on these volunteers during the holiday period.
In San Antonio, Temple Beth-El's plan to serve meals at St. Vinny's bistro at Haven for Hope is a testament to their long-term mission for social justice. Rabbi Nathan explained to KENS 5 that preparing food is a bonding experience for the volunteers, and that the act of feeding people is something they "take very seriously." Despite their small numbers in the area, Rabbi Nathan expressed a strong desire for the Jewish community to contribute positively to their home of San Antonio.
In England, Sharon Eskenazy, a member of Mill Hill Synagogue, told The Jewish Chronicle about her joy in giving back to the community, having spent previous Christmas Days, packing boxes for those in need. And it's not just about the Jewish community helping their own. Rabbi Danny Rich, CEO of Liberal Judaism, has been contributing to the local community for the past 15 years, acting as the Mayor of Kingston's driver on Christmas Day, visiting integral services like the emergency department at Kingston Hospital.
Whether it's in the kitchen of a homeless shelter or the corridors of a hospital, these volunteers continue to weave a tapestry of interfaith solidarity during a time traditionally known for merry-making. While there might be temptations to retreat into the familiar warmth of one's own cultural celebrations, these individuals choose to extend their hands, their time, and their hearts.
