INTERFAITH SHELTER FEEDINGS

Twenty years ago, our mayor, Art Agnos, met with then board president of rabbis: Malcolm Sparrow. The topic of conversation was that faith organizations needed to open their doors to house and feed the homeless during the frigid and rainy winter nights. Christian and Muslim groups had already said, "yes" to the mayor's request and so did Jews. Out of this coalition of faith groups came the San Francisco Interfaith Council whose mission is to unite through our similarities rather than divide among our many differences. Congregation Emanu-El joined in this mitzvah by providing volunteers to shop, cook and serve for 8 nights each year. What is remarkable is how grateful the 100 men were to receive a home-cooked meal served by people who looked them in the eye and let them know we care. What is also remarkable is that what was meant to be a stop-gap program for one winter is now in its twentieth year. Every constituent group from Congregation Emanu-El participated. We thank all of our volunteers, as our success this year would not have been possible without you.