Neighbor News
Shir Ami Challenges Its Congregation to Help Neighbors in Need During the High Holy Day Season
Goal is to Donate 350 Meals to Caring for Friends by October 1
Shir Ami, the Heart of Reform Judaism in Bucks County, is building upon its long-standing relationship with Caring for Friends by mobilizing it congregation during the High Holy Days to combat hunger locally.
As part of it its High Holy Days initiatives, every member of the congregation will receive an empty Caring for Friends tin after religious services. The tins are to be filled with a nutritious meal and returned during the week between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (September 22 to October 1). The goal is to provide 350 meals to Caring for Friends that can be distributed to clients experiencing food insecurity.
This effort is part of a larger High Holy Days food drive, where Shir Ami expects to collect and distribute more than 20,000 pounds of food over the next five weeks. For many years, the synagogue has maintained a Caring for Friends freezer on-site. Members regularly fill tins with homemade meals and deliver them to the synagogue. The tins are collected and transported to the Caring for Friends’ warehouse in Philadelphia for distribution throughout the region. This act of service has grown into a cornerstone of the congregation’s culture, from being a part of the Religious School curriculum to adult volunteers doing their part to help neighbors in need.
“At Shir Ami, Tikkun Olam (the Jewish value of repairing the world) is not just a phrase. It is a practice we live every day,” said Brent Osborne, Executive Director at Shir Ami. “Our partnership with Caring for Friends allows us to connect moments of reflection during the High Holy Days with real, tangible acts of compassion. When our members bring food from their own kitchens to share with strangers, it is a beautiful reminder that repairing the world begins with each of us.”
Shir Ami welcomes community support for Caring for Friends. Those interested in volunteering or making a donation can visit www.shirami.org for more information. Every contribution—whether food, funds, or time—strengthens the fight against hunger and builds a stronger, more connected community.
About Shir Ami
Reform synagogue Shir Ami, located in Newtown, PA, traces its history to 1976 when several Jewish families in Richboro gathered to discuss the formation of a new congregation. Shir Ami endeavors to continue Reform traditions in Bucks County while creating new ones. It strives to be:
- Dedicated to sustaining and growing a vibrant and diverse Jewish community.
- Devoted to educating all who seek a greater understanding of Jewish tradition, values, and practices.
- Committed to connecting with each other, cultivating spiritual growth, creating a just and compassionate society, and supporting Israel and the Jewish family worldwide.
To learn more, visit www.shirami.org. Follow Shir Ami on Facebook at @shiramibuckscounty or on Instagram at @shir_ami_pa.
