Being part of a larger community is an important part of life at Temple Shalom. Through acts of tikkun olam (repairing the world), we help our world by contributing to the lives of adults and families in Medford and beyond.
These projects are also an important social activity for Temple Shalom members—a reminder of the values we share and the important role we all play in our communities.
Thanksgiving Apple Pies
Each November, Temple Shalom members get together in our own kosher kitchen to assemble fresh apple pies to be frozen and added to Thanksgiving food baskets distributed to community members by the Medford Family Network.
We make the dough, peel the apples and put it all together in a beautiful pie. We also offer the congregation the opportunity to purchase one of our pies for their own Thanksgiving celebration.
For more details, contact socialaction@templeshalommedford.org.
Food Drive & Mini Pantry
Throughout the year, and especially on the High Holidays, we have an ongoing food drive to support our local Food Pantry.
We also have a 24/7 mini food pantry on our front lawn to help combat the food insecurity in Medford. The pantry is regularly filled by our religious school students and congregants.
To learn more, contact socialaction@templeshalommedford.org.
Cradles to Crayons
Temple Shalom partners with the Boston-based charity Cradles to Crayons to host the 24/7 donation bin in our parking lot, one of the busiest donation sites in the Metro Boston area. Congregants and the general public drop off donations at this bin (please see the Cradles to Crayons website for information about what items are accepted and how to access the bin).
Every January, the Temple Shalom Hebrew School has a day of service for Cradles to Crayons. Students and their families empty out the collection bin, bring items from their homes, and collect donations from friends. We sort, clean, quality check, and prepare the donations for local children in need.
For more information, contact Tamar Siegel at rtsiegel@comcast.net.
Medford Family Network Free Swap
Three times a year, Temple Shalom hosts a free swap with The Medford Family Network. For a week before the event, Medford residents and neighbors donate gently used children’s clothing, toys and books. Then we open our doors for hundreds of local residents to take what they need for their family.
For more information, contact Tamar Siegel at rtsiegel@comcast.net.