For many years, Middlesex County Freeholder Charlie Tomarro and Mr. Anthony Russomano, former Deputy Director of Public Works of Edison, have maintained a food pantry which distributes packaged and canned goods to people in need in the Edison community. Because of the current economic crisis, the food pantry is almost depleted. The food pantry is now reaching out to many local organizations, asking that members of the organizations be contacted with an urgent request to generously contribute to the pantry.

Freeholder Tomarro and Mr. Russomano have asked our Jewish community to participate in this effort as well. To this end, a special trailer will be parked in front of Congregation Ohr Torah from Thursday, May 7, through Friday May 8th, so that residents in our area may contribute. Even if you donate a few cans or packages it will make a difference.

It is extremely important that we respond generously to this appeal for two reasons:

• First, to show that we are community-minded, and we care about all members of our neighborhood. If the trailer is relatively full, it will be a Kiddush Hashem, but if we receive few contributions it may be a chilul Hashem.

• Secondly, Freeholder Tommaro and Mr. Russomano have been terrific friends of our Jewish community for over 25 years, and they have always been responsive to our needs. They have noted, "We have always been there for you, now we need you to reciprocate and contribute to this effort." We need to show our genuine hakaras hatov. 

If  anyone is personally in need of assistance, please let me know, and  you will receive a kosher food package.

Here is a list of items that the pantry is requesting:

• canned fruit

• canned vegetables

• canned soup

• canned tuna

• canned tomato sauce

• pasta

• rice

• baking mixes

• cereal

• oatmeal

• boxes of potato flakes

• macaroni and cheese.

If you have any questions, please call Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Rivkin at 732-735-4862

Thanking you in advance for your understanding. 

Rabbi Yaakov Luban