At 1,151 bags, members of Temple Beth Israel set a new record of collection at the 17th annual High Holy Days food drive. The Pomona synagogue’s Social Action Committee organizes the project that begins on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and concludes approximately four weeks later.

The Hebrew expression L’dor V’dor meaning “from generation to generation” was honored on Sunday morning, October 30, as the students of the Temple’s kindergarten through sixth grade religious school loaded the impressive bounty onto the Inland Valley Hope Partners’ truck. 

Food Security Program Manager Isaac Vega said that Inland Valley Hope Partners oversees seven local food pantries that serve 50,000 individuals. The Temple’s donation of approximately five tons will serve food pantry clients for about two weeks. The need for donations is particularly great prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Trader Joe’s of Claremont has been donating 1,200 paper bags each year since they came to Claremont. Ethel Steinberger, who chaired TBI’s Social Action Committee from 1999 to 2016, was this year’s Food Drive Honoree. Ms. Steinberger said she is thrilled with the wonderful compassion that TBI expressed to their neighbors in need.