Hesed: Caring for our Community
““The cornerstone of Rabbi Nosson Zvi’s service to God was chesed. 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.”
The goal of the Hesed committee is to extend life cycle support and services in times of need 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 provide assistance when needed. At times, Hesed 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 Hesed Committee when you hear of a congregant that might need help.
Our on-line community of volunteers Lots of Helping Hands makes the mitzvah of Hesed easy. New volunteers are always welcome. When you sign-up with Lots of Helping Hands you will be notified of the needs within our community. Support listed on this site provides 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 congregants’ time of need. Each of us as a community member can help uplift spirits as we reach out and build connections among members and families of our wonderful congregational 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 "Lotsa Helping Hands" page. Once you sign up, you will be among the first to know when a baby is born or when someone needs support.
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.
Temple Hillel B’nai Torah’s Afghan Resettlement Team is working with Big Brother Big Sister Foundation to help the Afghan family we are sponsoring together with Congregation Dorshei Tzedek. The items collected are sold to thrift store chains throughout the United States and Canada. Profits from sales are distributed to BBBS mentoring agencies throughout Massachusetts including HBT, so please use the bin in the temple parking lot!
DOnate today
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)!