Temple Beth-El volunteers have been extremely busy helping make the lives of those less fortunate a bit more pleasant, comfortable and joyful.

In a heartwarming display of compassion spearheaded by Rabbi Megan Brumer, congregants participated in a relief mission through Midnight Run, an organization that distributes food, clothing, blankets and personal care items to the homeless on the streets of New York City.

Last month, temple volunteers provided winter coats, outerwear, toiletries, hot drinks, warm meals—and kindness to those in need.

Temple Beth-El members spread holiday cheer at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation while assisting with resident transportation and meal distribution on Dec. 25.

During the holiday season, volunteers also worked with the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church Interfaith Food Pantry to pick up donations, shop, sort and pack food to distribute desperately needed essentials to local families.

To ensure a special holiday celebration for all, the temple’s annual Tzedakah Project raised funds that provided festive meal fixings to more than 300 families.

Dozens of volunteers shopped, sorted and packed the ingredients necessary to prepare full chicken dinners that were distributed throughout the Great Neck community.

Temple Beth-El has long been known for its commitment to tikkun olam—repairing the world through community service and social justice—and these empathetic endeavors are a testament to the congregation’s dedication to making a positive impact not only at the house of worship but beyond the participants’ spiritual home.

Temple Beth-El, the peninsula’s first synagogue, serving the community for more than 95 years, is located at 5 Old Mill Road in Great Neck. Learn more by visiting www.tbegreatneck.org, calling 516-487-0900 or emailing [email protected].