Tamarac’s TBTST Temple Takes Community Action To Heart

Rabbis Rami Pavolotzky and Daniela Szuster explain the underlying source of Mitzvah Day: “Tzedakah” the mitzvah of philanthropy and charity actually translates as “justice.” Tzedakah goes beyond financial donations to include actions and contributions of time, effort, and awareness. Most people are familiar with Jewish charities supporting schools, hospitals and social action globally, not just in the Jewish world. The 'mitzvah of tzedakah', justice through social action, not just financial transactions, is an integral part of Judaism.”

This year’s Mitzvah Day/Open House brought together the TBTST “family” with both visitors seeking information on the synagogue, and with our many non-Jewish friends and neighbors, all united by performing acts of kindness. TBTST Clergy, Educators and Leadership will be on hand to answer any questions about the synagogue while joining in Mitzvah activities. Tours and registration for the synagogue’s Early Childhood Center and Religious School were offered.

You didn’t have to be Jewish to be a part of doing Mitzvot! Adults and children are welcome to participate in a variety of projects.

2025 Mitzvah Day projects included:

• Making Greeting Cars for the Daniel Cantor Senior Center

• Assembling 100’s of Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches for Craig’s Pantry in Plantation

• Collecting new children’s clothing donations for JAFCO

• Making and packaging cookies for Tamarac’s First Responders

• Collecting clothing for Veterans’ Homes and for Women in Distress of Broward County

• Collecting new and gently used children & teen shoes for distribution by In Jacob’s Shoes

• Helping fur babies by making fleece blankets for The Humane Society

• Packing items previously collected for U.S. Troops through Operation Shoebox

• Giving Blood donations at the Big Red Bus in the synagogue parking lot

This year, participants had the additional opportunity of connecting with individual Israeli citizens, showing personal support to many in the war-traumatized country by establishing new relationships with both adults and children there. Through a special alliance with Israel’s growing Masorti-Conservative movement, participants will be able to engage in a new Pen-Pal program, connecting with Israelis of all ages. In addition, children from TBTST’s Religious School and its Early Childhood Center created friendship bracelets for their new Israeli friends.

For more information about Tamarac’s Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek (TBTST), visit: www.tbtst.org.

About The Temple

Temple Beth Torah Sha’aray Tzedek (TBTST) is a vibrant, egalitarian Conservative synagogue centrally located at 5700 Northwest 94th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida 33312 in West Broward County, just off the Sawgrass Expressway. The entrance is through the synagogue parking lot off Northwest 58th Avenue, opposite the Tamarac Aquatic Center Playground. Locally, the synagogue is an active member of the Tamarac - North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and globally, it is part of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. TBTST offers an ideal balance of traditional and modern Conservative Judaism in a welcoming environment. Our diverse congregation includes people from all Jewish backgrounds and ethnicities - young and old, married and single, with or without children, interfaith families, the LGBTQ community. Through our inspirational and interactive services, multi-generational education, social programming and life-cycle experiences, we offer the opportunity to strengthen relationships with Judaism and the Jewish community.