A joint effort between Hertz Nursery School and Temple Israel’s Social Action Committee and Religious school resulted in an incredibly successful Holiday Mitzvah (Good Deed) Project that exceeded expectations for this inaugural collaboration.  The organizations joined forces to support both the David Jon Louison Center in Brockton and Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JF&CS). 

Over the past few weeks, collection bins were placed around the Temple and Nursery School for the donations.  Over 100 packages of Hanukkah candles, chocolate gelt and gift cards were brought to JF&CS’s Family Table immediately after Thanksgiving.  Donations of slippers, robes and over 100 bath and beauty products were delivered to the David Jon Louison Center this week. 

“By combining forces with the Temple Israel Social Action Committee and Religious School we were able to greater help those in need,” stated Melissa Hertzel, a Hertz parent.  “Performing acts of kindness and developing an awareness of the needs of others at a young age builds the foundation for a philanthropic future,” continued Hertzel.

“We were thrilled with the response of our fellow congregants, religious school students and nursery school students,” said Marcy Kaplan, Temple Israel’s Social Action Committee Co-Chair.  “We all are enriched by joining together and supporting Family Table and the Louison house during the Holiday season,” continued Kaplan.

Hertz Nursery School is located within Temple Israel Sharon at 125 Pond Street and is open to children aged 2.9 through Transitional Kindergarten.  To learn more about the program, visit www.hertznurseryschool.org or call Lisa Kritz, Director at 781-784-4050.

Temple Israel, founded in 1937, is the largest traditional egalitarian Conservative synagogue in Southeastern Massachusetts. Temple Israel offers a wide and varied range of religious services, classes, and events -- from pre-K to mature adults - all designed to engage, inspire, and excite the mind, body and spirit. Most programs are open to the public. Additional information may be obtained on the Temple's website, www.tisharon.org.

JF&CS Family Table, the largest kosher food pantry in New England, provides healthy food on a monthly and emergency basis to individuals and families in need.  For more information, please visit www.jfcsboston.org.

Located in Brockton, the David Jon Louison Center’s mission is to assist families through the crisis of homelessness, while providing services that promote a successful transition towards self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit http://oldcolonyymca.org/family-services/family-services-david-jon-louison-center

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