Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are our holiest days of prayer and personal reflection — and a time to remember people in need.
Each year, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona works with synagogues and local Jewish agencies on Project Isaiah, a food drive benefiting the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. The project is named for the Prophet Isaiah, who when asked why we fast on Yom Kippur, responded, “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry?” (Isaiah 58:6).
Ruth Messinger, president of the American Jewish World Service, writes, “With the Days of Awe upon us — a time when we weigh our lives against our benefit to others — we must hold ourselves and our communities accountable,” calling on the Jewish community to renew the commitment to end global hunger. Read her entire Op-Ed at https://azjewishpost.com/?p=17028.
Locally, there is a 16 percent gap between what the food bank can provide and the existing need in the Tucson community, says JCRC Director Bryan Davis.
Bagged food donations for Project Isaiah can be dropped off through Sept. 28 at any local synagogue or Jewish agency. The most needed non-perishable items include canned meats and vegetables, soups, cereal, rice, tuna, macaroni and cheese, powdered milk and kosher products. Monetary donations, payable to JCRC, may be mailed to the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, Attention Jane Scott, 3822 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718. With each donation of $1, the food bank can purchase $9.50 worth of food.
For more information, call the JCRC office at 577-9393.
