Posted on September 20, 2024 by Rabbi David Katz
An important note about our annual food drive and it starts with a question: Which is more important – the Day of Atonement or the Sabbath? Answer? The Sabbath. Yom Kippur may be the holy day when most Jews show up to Temple but it is not mentioned in the Ten Commandments. Shabbat is. So we read in Exodus that Moses spoke these words: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” (Ex. 20:9)
This year at TBE there will be a melding of Yom Kippur and Shabbat observance because the Day of Atonement actually falls on Friday night and Saturday. These two holidays are observed together. The Torah tells us to rest completely on Shabbat, to cease all our labor, even if it is for a good cause. And our Sages teach that the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, called the “Days of Awe,” are to be used to improve our relationships with others. God’s harsh judgement, God’s severe decree will be tempered by repentance, prayer and charity — for instance, offering food to the hungry.
So this year, on the Day of Atonement and the Sabbath itself, we are going to rest from our labors entirely in honor of the Sabbath and during the Days of Awe we are going to give charity. In past years, we encouraged you to bring your food donations on Yom Kippur; this year, we encourage you to bring your bag of groceries for the food bank during the Ten Days of Awe. (See below for details.)
Which is more important – Shabbat or Yom Kippur? The answer is Shabbat.
L’shalom,
Rabbi David Katz
The annual High Holy Day food drive is a cherished aspect of our community’s observation of the Days of Awe. The Food Bank Network is serving many more people than in past years. Your generosity will make a difference.
Bring your food donation anytime during the Ten Days of Awe, right up until the start of the Kol Nidrei service. A table will be placed outside the front door for you to drop off your donation after hours. We ask that you not bring bags of food on Yom Kippur as it is Shabbat and a holy day. We will continue to collect donations for The Food Bank Network after Yom Kippur and throughout the year. For tips on what to donate, check this page.
If you are not able to get out to purchase food for The Food Bank, make a monetary donation through Temple Beth-El (click here to make your donation). The Food Bank Network appreciates monetary donations as they can stretch the purchasing dollar.
Contact Jacki Skole, TBE HHD Food Drive Coordinator, at fooddrive@templebethelnj.org, should you have any questions about this year’s drive.
