Sacrificing for religious beliefs is an ancient tradition and at Temple Habonim members of the synagogue have turned that sacrifice into an act of giving.

On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 19, about 20 youth and adult members of the temple delivered 156 bags of non-perishable food items to Tap-In as part of the Yom Kippur celebration, the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year and the last of the 10 days of penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish high holiday includes 24 hours of fasting and repentance.

The partnership with Tap-In has been taking place for more than 20 years. Families at the temple donate at least one bag of food — the equivalent of what they would have eaten during the day of fasting to the local organization.

They also donate the amount of money they would have spent during the day to Dorcas Place and Mazon, A Jewish Response to Hunger effort.

Harold Foster has been involved in the project for many years and said the modern practice takes the place of animal sacrifices of days gone by.

“This is part of the High Holiday Hunger Project and we have at least 90 percent participation from the membership,” he said.

Members of the youth group and adult volunteers unloaded and weighed 1,700 pounds of food for those in need.

Tap-In President Kate Notley said the bags of food were brought up to the pantry by volunteers acting as a chain, passing bags to one another until they reach the pantry.

“It’s a very efficient method to get the bags up the stairs. Its so nice to see people from all ages here participating,” she said.

Lisa Denny, chairperson of the social action committee at the temple, said the high holiday is one of true sacrifice.

“The fasting is symbolic of true sacrifice. The 24-hour fast begins at sundown when ‘three stars in the sky’ appear and ends when they appear again. The fasting varies, for instance, one younger member put down his phone for a 'screen fast,’" she said.
During the high holiday, the temple celebrated four services throughout the day, broke the fast and shared a meal before coming to Tap-In.

Ms. Denny’s son Jason Buka did the traditional fast and didn’t eat for the 24 hours.

“Mac and cheese never tasted so good,” he said.