Whether you call it Thanksgivukkah, Chanu-giving or Thanks-a-latke, the holiday is upon us! This unusual twist on our Thanksgiving and Chanukah preparation and celebration gives us the once-in-a-lifetime convergence of two family-focused holidays, with all the trimmings.

Throughout history our people have experienced and overcome adversity, and then celebrated by A) eating and B) giving back to community. This year's confluence of holidays provides us with double the reasons to celebrate and give back as a way to express our thanks. Together with your family, you might choose to lead the Chanukah candle blessings at Sholom Home or call a bingo game with the residents.

Too much on your plate? With Chanukah early your December may be more open! You might have some extra time to help at the 6th annual Dreidel Dash, which includes a couple different races and a Post-Dash Bash in St. Paul, a great way to burn some calories after your turkey and latkes.

Be sure to check out the volunteer spotlight on our amazing new intern, Adam Tarshish. Read on and thanks-a-latke for all you do!

Deb Savitt
Volunteer Resources Program Manager
[email protected]
952-542-4859

Candle lighting at Sholom Home West and Roitenberg Assisted Living

Individuals, families and groups are needed to come light the Chanukah candles, lead the blessings, and sing with the seniors each night of Chanukah.

To volunteer, contact Carol Kvasnik at [email protected] or 952-939-1627.

Thanksgiving Bingo

Any day is a great day for BINGO! Join our residents on Thanksgiving Day for a little fun, complete with prizes and refreshments.

Join us at either Sholom Home West or Roitenberg Assisted Living.

To volunteer contact Carol Kvasnik at [email protected] or 952-939-1627.

10K start
12:30 p.m. at the St. Paul JCC
1375 St. Paul Avenue, St. Paul, MN
 
5K start
1:15 p.m. at Temple of Aaron
616 S. Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN
 
Maccabee Mini Mile for children under 10
2:15 p.m. at the St. Paul JCC
 
Post Dash Bash
2-4 p.m. at the St. Paul JCC
 
For the sixth year running, the St. Paul JCC, along with its community partners, will be hosting the best winter race and Chanukah party in the Twin Cities and we need volunteers!

For more information, or to volunteer or register for the Dash, contact Benjie Kaplan at  [email protected] or 651-255-4733. If you volunteer, please tell them you are a JFCS volunteer!

Auction Action!
The Online Auction is open! Bid on lots of great items from A - an Andrew Martin novelty throw pillow to Z - a Zerorez $100 Gift Certificate for carpet cleaning. Visit the Online Auction homepage to shop all the fun items!

 
Meet Adam. For more than five years he's volunteered in the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program (BBBS). Currently, Adam also works at JFCS as a student intern for the BBBS Program through Hopkins High School.
 
"I followed in the footsteps of my older brother who was also a Jewish Big Brother. I have always been taught to do mitzvot. However, instead of just talking the talk, I decided to take the step to volunteer, and I became a Big Brother.

JFCS provides great opportunities to volunteer in the Jewish community for any age. I feel that the earlier you start to volunteer, the better. Since eighth grade my "little" continuously brings me joy. I look forward to being with him. I have been with him five years and my hope is it will last a lifetime.

I would recommend volunteering with JFCS because it enriches the volunteer and it also enriches and strengthens the Jewish community. 

            

    

13100 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 400
Minnetonka, MN 55305

952-546-0616 | www.jfcsmpls.org