Loving our neighbors by being good neighbors
is the basis of our ongoing Overtown volunteer programs – JOIN US!

21st Annual Xmas Eve Mitzvah Carnival

It’s not just a holiday party. It is a mitzvah deeply ingrained in Temple Israel culture – active love and compassion for the homeless in Downtown Miami that predates the creation of Chapman Partnership by local citizens, including our own “Keeper of the Flame” Annette Eisenberg. It’s a much-anticipated happening that represents the very best of who we are by bringing our Jewish values to life in the service of our neighbors. And when all is said and done, we get more than we give!

 Once again we are collecting unwrapped toys for children 1-12 and $10-20 Walmart and Target gift cards for the teenagers – to be wrapped at 5 PM before Shabbat services on Friday, December 15th. Your contributions can be dropped off on Friday nights or at the Temple office. (M & F 8:30 - 1:30, T-Th 8:30 - 3:00)

Volunteers will be needed beginning at 4 PM on Xmas Eve for “Santa’s Workshop,” to decorate the dining hall and serve dinner, and to help with activities that go on into the evening. Stay tuned!

We serve dinner every 4th Monday of the month at Chapman Partnership Empowering the Homeless (4:45 -7:00 PM) – next on December 25th.* Join our Chapman Team by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an extraordinary community experience as we welcome volunteers from Unity on the Bay in partnership to serve our neighbors.! (You can help underwrite that meal by making a contribution to the Charles Held, Jr. Memorial Fund to Feed the Hungry. Thank you!)

Temple Israel volunteers help in the Lotus House kitchen every 3rd Thursday (11 AM - 2 PM) – next on December 21. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join our Lotus House Team. Lotus House (“Where Hope Blossoms”) is the largest shelter for women and children in the USA.

NEEDED: Volunteers to help kids K-6th grades with their homework at the Overtown Optimist Club any day of the week from 4-6 PM. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join our Optimist Club Team. You will receive more than you give just by showing up!

“Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return.” - Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Z”L (Optimism to Hope)