Hiller’s Markets and Temple Beth El Feed the Hungry

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – “When I saw what was going on with the economy, I knew people needed food, coats and toiletries,” says Rabbi Daniel Syme, spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “And then I heard about a mother who diluted her baby’s formula because she couldn’t afford to buy more. We can’t solve the problem – but we can’t stand by and do nothing. We have an imperative responsibility to do what we can to help.”

Two weeks ago, Rabbi Syme initiated an impromptu Food Drive at his synagogue, the oldest Reform Jewish congregation in the state of Michigan. At services, meetings and events, he invited people to contribute to six bins gathered in the synagogue.

Members’ support was immediate and impactful; the bins were full before the first week was through and congregation members Scott and Judy Roberts, owners of AMJ Distribution Co., delivered the goods to food pantries and soup kitchens. Not a day later, the bins were full again. And then long-time congregant Jim Hiller, CEO of Hiller’s Markets, the area’s largest and longest-standing family-owned grocery chain, stepped forward in a big way.

This Tuesday, a Hiller’s truck will bring its donation to Temple Beth El: 40 cases of macaroni and cheese dinners, 30 cases of chicken noodle soup and 25 cases of peanut butter to the Temple Beth El Food Drive. The entire donation amounts to hundreds of meals for hundreds of families.

“Hiller’s donates to food banks year-round – but I could not say no to Rabbi Syme,” says Jim Hiller. “We have a long history together and I believe in everything he does. Rabbi Syme is a wonderful leader, inspiring people every day to heed the call to help in whatever way they can.”

This Tuesday, December 23, 2008, please join Rabbi Daniel Syme and Hiller’s Markets CEO Jim Hiller for a special event focusing on how to help southeastern Michigan’s neediest residents.

When: Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Where: Temple Beth El, 7400 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, (248) 851-1100
Time: 11 a.m.

Please join Rabbi Syme and Jim Hiller this Tuesday for an important, timely talk about what we can do – even in difficult times – to help others. The timing couldn’t be better – on the second day of Hanukkah and a day before Christmas Eve, this special community gathering will offer insight and inspiration as well as tips for getting involved in community initiatives.

“Hiller’s is proud and honored to participate with so many other members of TBE in the mitzvah of tzedakah (righteous giving),” says Jim Hiller. “This is the value of community-together, we are stronger than alone.”

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