Posted by Bernice Behar

This year, for the first time ever (and not again for nearly 78,000 years), the first day of Chanukkah falls on Thanksgiving, a once-in-a-lifetime event that has been dubbed "Thanksgivukkah." The overlap in holidays is quite appropriate and meaningful as both holidays celebrate the pursuit of religious freedom. This year, as we celebrate with traditional foods, many people are taking the opportunity to combine traditional Thanksgiving fare with that of Chanukkah, coming up with creative recipes such as sweet potato latkes, sufganiot with traditional pie fillings, and, of course, the deep fried turkey.

Whether you choose to combine or separate the holidays at your table, it is worth remembering that for many families putting any sort of festive meal on the table is a struggle. This year as Thanksgiving and Chanukkah fall together, you can help another family celebrate this unique holiday. Your donation of $36 to JF&CS Family Table will provide a kosher turkey for one of the nearly 400 families that we serve through our kosher food pantry. Please donate to the JF&CS Family Table Turkey Tzedakah fund today so that every family has the chance to gather around a table with family and friends and celebrate the blessings in their lives.

Bernice Behar is the Program Manager for Family Table, the largest kosher food pantry serving Greater Boston and the North Shore. She joined JF&CS in 2010 having spent many years working in the financial industry as a chartered financial analyst and investment manager. Bernice brings to Family Table a passion for helping people access nutritious food and a dedication to working in the Jewish community. She is an active board member at her synagogue and holds a BA from the University of California Berkeley.