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Food Pantry
Food Pantry
Beth El has a long history of involvement with and support for the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services. You’ll find a bin for food donations at the front entry door and a list of desired items at the end of this page. Hunger is, sadly, ever-present in our communities, including West Hartford and Farmington Valley; the extra can or box of food you buy when you shop will find a welcome home.
Special Food Drive Initiatives
There are many different ways you can help.
A special food drive is held each year during the High Holiday season. Beth El members are encouraged to bring bags of food to the synagogue prior to Yom Kippur. As we fast, we think of those in our community for whom hunger is a part of everyday life.
Every year the religious educational program sponsors a cereal drive. Learners bring one or more boxes of cereal when they come to temple. Congregants are invited to participate as well. Watch Temple Topics and the Shabbat Leaflet for an announcement of this drive and bring your cereal boxes to the educational program.
The Beth El Women's Network created a program for Bat/Bar Mitzvah families to further support the pantry. For $150, Women's Network will decorate food baskets in place of traditional flower arrangements. This is a wonderful mitzvah, for you are feeding the hungry, decorating the Bimah, and sending a powerful message all at the same time! Many families also create food baskets as their table centerpieces at their Simchas and then donate the baskets to the food pantry.
Children are so mindful of hunger in our communities that many request cans of food in lieu of gifts for their birthday parties. As part of the birthday celebration, the children can go to the Pantry or come to Beth El and deliver the food. It’s so heartwarming, and lessons are learned which last a lifetime!
All these Beth El mitzvot are truly helping our neighbors. Let’s try to end hunger right in our own backyard! Now that you know what Beth El is doing for the Food Pantry, you should know why we are doing it.
The Kosher Food Pantry was founded in 2002 when it became apparent there was a need in the community for people who keep kosher to have a place to get food assistance. Over the years, the Food Pantry has extended its reach and now serves people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
The Kosher Food Pantry distributes thousands of dollars of food each month. Supermarket gift cards, cash and checks in all denominations are gratefully accepted. 100% of your donations are used directly for the pantry items purchased.
Below is a list of foods, cleaning & household products & toiletries that are needed. All food has to be unopened & KOSHER. A large box is located at the entrance of Beth El for the collection of these items. About ¾ of all prepackaged food products are kosher. Look for the hechsher symbol. Some of the popular ones are shown below:

Fri, September 22 2023
7 Tishrei 5784
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2023Cemetery Service
Sunday, Sep 24th 10:00a to 11:00a
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2023Yom Kippur - Kol Nidrei Evening Services
Sunday, Sep 24th 6:15p to 8:45p
For Kol Nidrei, you have the choice of 2 services! Both require member or guest tickets. Click in for details. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2023Yom Kippur - Morning Services
Monday, Sep 25th 9:00a to 1:30p
On Yom Kippur morning, you have the choice of 2 services, plus family service options! Click in for details. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2023Yom Kippur Morning - Family Service
Monday, Sep 25th 9:30a to 10:30a
Our Family Service is geared to families with children in grades 1-5. Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Dr. Eliyahu Krigel lead this meaningful service focused on Tefillah (prayer), Tzedakah (sacred giving), and Teshuvah (returning to our best selves). We'll weave together prayers, stories, and discussions in order to bring spiritual sustenance to all of us in this time of renewal. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 25 , 2023Yom Kippur - Mazel Tots
Monday, Sep 25th 9:30a to 10:30a
Join Dr. Eliyahu Krigel for play-based and interactive services, giving our youngest members an opportunity to gain meaning and joy during this special time in our calendar cycle through the use of puppets. Snack will be provided.