MAY 21 • 2020 | 19
household items as paper
goods and cleaning supplies.
That led the temple to contact
several members whose
businesses could provide
these items, which they
agreed to provide at cost.
A letter was then sent
to members offering these
household necessities through
curbside pickup at the temple.
According to Mesa, each day
they receive requests from a
small number of people who
then pick up the supplies.
In a few cases, items have
been delivered, including
one drop-off at Meer Jewish
Apartments. Those who can
afford it pay a fee to cover
costs.
“People are glad to be back
at temple and to see a friendly
face. The service is not just
for Temple members,” he says.
Mesa adds that the temple
plans to offer catered meals
to members in a few weeks.
He adds that some members
visit just to walk the grounds,
saying that it comforts them
to be near the temple even
though they can’
t go inside.
Temple Israel volunteers
and staff have been calling
older members on a weekly
basis and have delivered
food to some individuals.
The temple has expanded its
Food Pantry that provides
free fresh food to members
and the general community
in partnership with Forgotten
Harvest.
Rabbi Bennett says that
prior to the pandemic, about
100 families received food
assistance every other week,
referred mainly by local
social service agencies and
schools. Now that number
has increased to 250 families
due to COVID-19, he says,
including 15 to 20 percent
who are temple members,
some of whom have lost their
jobs. Food packages are being
supplemented by additional
food donations from temple
members. (For additional
information, call Temple
Israel at 248-661-5700.)
Clergy and administrative
staff at area synagogues and
temples have found that their
work lives have changed due
to the pandemic. A rabbi
live-streams a presentation
for members from his dining
room table. By phone, an
executive director helps
members figure out how
to access online programs.
“We’
re helping people
differently than before,” Mesa
says.
FACING: Temple Israel clergy shared their favorite moments serving the com-
munity on Zoom. LEFT: ‘
A Rabbi and a Pastor Zoom into a Pandemic’
with Dr.
Steve Bezner and Rabbi Jen Lader.
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