About B’nai Torah’s Tzedekah, Learning and Chesed (TLC) Program
A mitzvah is any of the 613 commandments that Jews are obligated to observe, and more generally refers to any good deed. The ‘mitzvah of tzedakah’ is one of the most important, and as such is a common component of synagogue life. Here at B’nai Torah, our commitment to acts of mitzvot is a central rather than peripheral dimension, and a critically important focus. The Ron and Meryl Gallatin Tzedakah, Learning and Chesed (TLC) Program of B’nai Torah Congregation, led by Summer Faerman, is B’nai Torah’s synagogue’s central source for meaningful mitzvah opportunities that help make a difference in our community and throughout the world. The program was developed to teach the core Jewish value of tzedakah – through learning and action – to people of all ages within the congregation.
The TLC program was first instituted in 2012 and has continued to grow in size and scope. This flagship mitzvah program touches all areas of critical need including hunger, homelessness, literacy, elder care, vulnerable populations, special needs and more.
The Ruth and Edward Taubman ECC Diaper Bank
TLC Little Free Pantries
The TLC Little Free Pantry program is a way to get people involved in the fight against hunger in our community. Through this program, those who are in need of food can take, and those with excess food to give can donate.
TLC pantries can be found all around Boca Raton and in surrounding areas such as Deerfield Beach, Margate, Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and more. Visit the TLC Little Free Pantry page for details and pantry locations.
Generously Sponsored by Marilyn and Jack Pechter
TLC Free Shower Program
The TLC Free Shower Program is a service provided to our community members who need it. In addition to a hot shower, visitors will receive access to new and clean clothing, toiletries, towels, etc. Volunteers are hand-picked and equipped to refer visitors to organizations that can assist with housing, healthcare, job placement, etc.
The mobile shower unit is available at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church and operating hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am – 1:30 pm.
Sandwich Sundays
46 million Americans visit food-sharing programs annually. It is estimated that one out of every six Americans go hungry on a daily basis. Sandwich sundays allows you to help the hungry and have an immediate impact. The sandwich is given to someone to supplement their hot lunch.
Help fight food insecurity from the comfort of your home, and help prepare and deliver sandwiches to Saint Gregory’s, our TLC Partner.
This experience is meaningful and memorable for the entire family.
Meals with Meaning
When one considers homeless individuals, families, and other at-risk populations, hunger is too prevalent to quantify. Inadequate nourishment directly results in innumerable physical, mental, and emotional health consequences. Addressing hunger is a moral imperative, which draws in thousands of volunteers who feel compelled to help their neighbors in need.
Join us on the 4th Sunday of every month as we prepare & serve hot lunches from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Meet Summer Faerman
As Director of the Tzedakah, Learning and Chesed (TLC) program, Summer Faerman works closely with all areas of the synagogue including Mirochnick Religious School, Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center, Women’s League, Men’s Club, and more! In this role, she connects people to organizations and opportunities that make a meaningful difference and help fulfil the mitzvot of tzedakah and giving. Even when her “work day” is over, her work is never done. In addition to shuttling her beautiful daughters Deborah and Shoshanna around town and spending time with her husband, she spends her time volunteering for a myriad of organizations and initiatives in the Jewish community as well as nonsectarian organizations particularly those involved with literacy, hunger, homelessness, and special needs.
Summer volunteers at Boca Helping Hands, American Association of Caregiving Youth, Hands on Tzedakah, HAC (Homeless Assistance Center), SOS Children’s Villages, Kindness Matters 365 Foundation, Palm Beach School for Autism, One Love One Community, The Milagro Center, Meals with Meaning, Saint Gregory’s Episcopal Church, The Wayne Barton Center, Alcoholics Anonymous, The Salvation Army, Family Promise, Habitat for Humanity, JARC, and several Title 1 elementary schools.
Summer likes to say she has the perfect career because it melds her personal philosophy with her professional life. She believes that you cannot move forward as a person unless you give back.
WE NEED YOUR HELP AND INVOLVEMENT!
How are we going to continue making a difference and touching the lives of those less fortunate within our community? Through your participating and generosity!
For additional volunteer information and opportunities, or more information about how you can make a difference through financial contributions, contact Summer Faerman at summerf@bnai-torah.org.
Looking for more ways to help out in the community? Check out some of these resources:
Food Waste In America
Meals on Wheels
Senior Food Insecurity
Aging In Place
Invisible People