Thanksgiving | Jewish Historical Society

The combination of the words thanks and giving are a major part of our Jewish values and customs. As an expression of Thanksgiving, many of our Jewish community institutions sponsor food drives for those who are in need. Below are photos of our communities showing their expression of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving dinner, Orchard Street homeless shelter, Hackensack NJ, 2007, Roz Altman, Steve Holden, Rena Rabinowitz, Arline Holden — The Social Action Committee of Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel of Maywood partnered with St John’s Church in Bergenfield to cook and serve a holiday pre-Thanksgiving dinner for patrons of the Orchard Street homeless shelter in Hackensack. Pictured in this 2007 photo are from L:r Temple members Roz Altman, Steve Holden, Rena Rabinowitz, and Arline Holden.

Center for Food Action (CFA), October 2008, food collection — Betty Samuels, chair of Project Isaiah at Teaneck Jewish Center, amid the more than 100 bags of food collected for Center for Food Action (CFA). October, 2008

Abraham Davis, Jewish Family Services of North Jersey, Sue Feldman, Albert Einstein Chapter of B'nai B'rith, 1977 — On the left is a Community Volunteer Service notice from the Albert Einstein Chapter of B’nai B’rith Women of Wayne to its members to bring food “fixins” for the preparation of Thanksgiving Baskets. On the right is a 1977 letter from Abraham Davis of the Jewish Family Services of North Jersey to Sue Feldman of the Albert Einstein Chapter thanking B’nai B’rith for the Thanksgiving Baskets.

Leonia faith community, Thanksgiving Service, children's choir — Members of the Leonia faith community held its annual Thanksgiving Service at Congregation Sons of Israel on Nov. 30, 2007. Pictured are the children’s choir. Can you help us identify these singers?

Yavneh school, Thanksgiving celebration, 1948 — Yavneh school kids celebrating Thanksgiving,1948. Can you help us identify these kids?