Food pantry clients will have a vast variety of items to choose from this month, including kosher and gluten-free options, thanks to the generosity of our local synagogues.

Many synagogues conducted food drives during the High Holidays to make sure that essential food and personal items were available for those in need.

"We thank the rabbis for making it a priority to inspire and encourage their congregations to support the food pantry,” said Sharon Gayner, food pantry coordinator. “We are truly grateful for each and every box of cereal and can of soup that finds its way to our pantry shelves.”

Congregation Keneseth Israel alone contributed over 130 bags of groceries. Congregation Brith Sholom and Temple Israel of Lehighton also brought in multiple boxes filled to the brim.

“The JFS food drive gives KI families an opportunity to share our collective good fortune and to fulfill the mitzvah that we hear in the Yom Kippur haftarah,” said Rabbi Seth Phillips of Keneseth Israel. 

“The prophet Isaiah calls us to not only remember those who are in need, but also to make our fast a meaningful one by backing it up with ma’asim tovim (good deeds),” Rabbi Michael Singer of Brith Sholom told his congregants. “We fast for only one day, but for too many seniors, adults and children in the Lehigh Valley every day is a struggle to have enough food.”