Temple Hosts SNAP Challenge for Feeding South Florida

LOTS OF GOOD DEEDS

Approximately 800 volunteers are expected to participate in Temple Beth Sholom’s 20th annual Mitzvah Day on Feb. 22. “Mitzvah” in Hebrew means “good deed.” This year’s theme is “Feeding the Hungry, Body and Soul”.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by 41 community service projects held during the day at locations throughout Miami-Dade County including Shadowlawn Elementary School, Overtown Youth Center, Miami Jewish Health Systems, Chapman Partnership, Ronald McDonald House, public parks and more. A daylong blood drive and bone marrow testing will also be held.

New this year is the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Challenge in partnership with Feeding South Florida. Community members are encouraged to commit to eat for $1.40 per meal or $4.20 per day, as people who receive SNAP benefits do. The challenge (which will take place April 12-18) is designed to raise awareness of food insecurity as well as to raise funds for Feeding South Florida.

At 2 p.m., the synagogue will host its second annual Not Your Bubbe’s Chicken Soup Contest. Amateur chefs will share their homemade soups (made from secret family recipes) vying for Best Tasting Soup and Best Chef. Guests will cast their votes alongside culinary experts including Zac the Baker and Chef Michael Meltzer. Cost to participate is $5 per adult; $1 for kids. All proceeds benefit area food banks.

“Over the past 20 years, one mitzvah has led to another and another and another,” said Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz. “Hundreds of volunteer Captains have lead over 800 mitzvah projects, serving literally thousands of individuals and agencies.”

Co-Chairs for Mitzvah Day 2015 are Heidi Cooper and Jaleh Bast.

Temple Beth Sholom is at 4144 Chase Ave., Miami Beach. Mitzvah Day is open to the public. Volunteers are encouraged to register for projects in advance to guarantee a spot.

For details, call 305-538-7231 or register online at www.tbsmb.org.