In the heart of South Florida, B’nai Torah Congregation (Boca Raton) stands as a beacon of hope and change, dedicated to social action and community impact.
With approximately 1,300 member units, this synagogue has been on an incredible social action journey over the past two decades, evolving their chesed efforts from a singular focus on homelessness to a comprehensive approach addressing multiple social issues, including hunger, literacy, special needs, and the recovery population.
Reflecting on her 24-year journey with B’nai Torah, one longtime member and now staff member, Summer Faerman, passionately recalls the synagogue’s early days. Faerman serves as the Director of the Meryl and Ron Gallatin Tzedakah, Learning, and Chesed (TLC) Program at B’nai Torah.
“When I first came here, we had just one [social action] focus: homelessness, and just a mitzvah day once a year. I was looking for more,” Faerman recalls. This desire for expanded social impact led her to explore avenues outside the synagogue, eventually bringing back valuable insights and initiatives that would transform its outreach efforts.
The cornerstone of their social action initiative is a program known as TLC, which stands for “Transforming Lives through Community.” Over the years, they have recognized the pressing needs of both their congregation and the wider community, leading to a multi-faceted approach to their social mission.
One standout initiative that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic is the TLC Little Free Pantry. This innovative concept sprouted from a simple but impactful idea born during the lockdown. Initially inspired by local little free libraries, the pantry concept was developed to provide access to food for those in need without the stigma often associated with traditional food banks.
“It was about dignity,” she explains. “With COVID, we saw people from all walks of life struggling. The pantry provides a way for anyone to receive assistance without feeling judged.”
What started as one pantry in August 2020 has expanded exponentially. Today, there are an impressive 233 Little Free Pantries not only across the United States but even internationally. These accessible pantries stand as symbols of community solidarity, available 24/7 to those who need them.
“People can come at their convenience, whenever it suits them,” Faerman says. “It’s flexible and dignified.”
Moreover, the initiative is more than just a means of providing food; it has also fostered community involvement as individuals, families, and children actively participate in stocking the pantries. This engagement teaches the next generation about kindness and the importance of giving back.
The transformation didn’t stop there. During the pandemic, the synagogue also launched “Sandwich Sundays,” a program allowing families to make sandwiches at home to distribute to those in need. This initiative rapidly gained popularity and continues to thrive, boasting participation from community members well beyond B’nai Torah every single week.
“At B’nai Torah, we don’t just have a mitzvah day; we have a mitzvah month,” she proudly declares.
The month-long commitment to social action features over 100 unique programs, engaging community members in meaningful volunteer opportunities.
“What’s key for us is collaboration,” Faerman emphasizes. “We partner with local organizations, schools, and other congregations—without these relationships, our efforts wouldn’t resonate.”
B’nai Torah’s commitment to social action serves as an inspiring reminder that every synagogue, regardless of size or resources, can make a significant difference. Their journey underscores the notion that social impact initiatives can stem from small, simple ideas that grow into something monumental.
As she reflects on the past two decades, Faerman is filled with gratitude for how far they’ve come. “What started as a single focus on homelessness has blossomed into a robust community outreach program,” she concludes. “And it all began with one little idea and a heartfelt desire to help.”
In moments of challenge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but B’nai Torah proves that with creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to service, we can create lasting change—and inspire others to join along the way.
