Continuing a long standing community tradition, 31 members of Temple B'nai Torah ranging in age from 16 to 80+ (herein referred to as "Team Tikkun") visited the Mary Brennan INN Soup Kitchen in Hempstead on December 25th to cook and serve a delicious Christmas dinner to 261 guests.  Joining "Team Tikkun" for this event were a couple of dozen volunteers from organizations other than TBT.  It was a joyous, festive and frenetic day.  Unfortunately, the fact that it was busier than ever in 2010 indicated that the growing need for such services.   

According to Jean Kelly, Executive Director of the Interfaith Nutrition Network (the INN; www.the-inn.org), the organization that sponsors the soup kitchen: "Stepping through these doors on Christmas Day is one of the hardest things that our guests do.  For many of them, this may be their only meal of the day.  We operate on a single principle – that everyone is to be treated with dignity and respect. Anyone who comes through those doors receives a hot, nutritious meal, a warm welcome and access to whatever additional support services are available."

The work was hard but the results gratifying.  Unlike other days of the year when the facility is operated cafeteria-style, on Christmas Day the volunteers serve the guests at their tables, adding to the dignity of the individuals and families and enhancing the festiveness of the day. 

Debbie Flaster, a newcomer to the Team Tikkun program, remarked that it made her and son Matt feel much more appreciative of their own good fortune.  Darrin Gitlitz, a veteran volunteer, told a story of one man who did not touch his meal.  When asked if everything was okay, the man said he wanted to take the meal to his daughter.  Fortunately, there was enough food so that Darrin could make sure that the man had his meal and was able to take one to his daughter as well.   

In addition to the meal (turkey, vegetables, yams, cranberry sauce, bread & butter, juice, coffee, and desert), the INN raffled off prizes including turkeys for families and toys for children.  Those who needed coats were able to pick one out from a rack of donations.  People in need of a shower or a place to stay were directed to one of the INN's shelters in the neighborhood. 

All in all, it was a wonderful experience.  "Save the date" for next year when Team Tikkun will once again return to the INN on Christmas Day to fulfill the mitzvah of feeding the hungry. 
 
For more information about the INN and its programs to help the hungry and homeless on Long Island please visit www.the-inn.org.