Temple Beth Shalom's Complimentary Christmas Dinner for Anyone Who Wants to Attend

Continuing a tradition of 23 years, TBS will prepare and serve a complimentary, festive Christmas Day dinner to anyone who would like to attend, but this year it will take place at Green Street Baptist Church,  179 Green Street, on – of course – Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25. People of all ages are welcome, families as well as singles.

For those who hav e attendced in the past, this is a change of venue and there is also a slight change in time.

The doors will open at 12:30 PM and dinner will be served at about 1:30 PM.

For this event, Temple Beth Shalom will partner with the Green Street Church, the Melrose Council on Aging, and several local businesses. The Council will take reservations and provide a bus so that the Temple can provide transportation for anyone who requests it.

For the 22nd consecutive year, Temple members will put together a gala turkey feast, with all the trimmings, and serve it to guests from Melrose and any of the surrounding communities. The Temple will create an island of festivity for people who might otherwise be isolated during this season of joy.

The idea for the dinner came about during a economic downturn in the late 1980s. According to Temple member and event organizer Jackie Kugell Yezerski, “It occurred to people in Temple leadership that our Congregation was uniquely positioned to offer this dinner. We liked doing it and now can’t imagine the holiday season with out this event.”

Yezerski added, “We cordially invite any one who would like to share in our celebration on Christmas Day, and please tell folks you know that they too are welcome. Because we do not celebrate Christmas, we are the perfect group to reach out to the community at this time of year. One crew arrives at the Church early in the day to start the turkeys, and many other Temple members and community volunteers show up to help cook, carve, serve, entertain—and then clean up.”

"This event inspires generosity in so many people," Yezerski added.  "Many businesses and individuals come forward to offer assistance. For example, for many years Sweet Spot Bakery on West Emerson Street has donated quantities of baked goods, which we serve during dinner. This year, a new bakery, Busy Bee, will donate holiday treats as well. If there are extras -- which there always are -- we pack them for our guests to take home.“

Yezerski noted that TBS musicians lend their talents to the festivities as well. It is not unusual for a few of the Temple’s professional jazz musicians to accompany the rousing Christmas carol sing-alongs, and there are always lots of children around to help jingle the bells. 

“As in past years, monetary contributions for this year's dinner will be cheerfully accepted,” added Yezerski.  “Please send checks to the Temple Beth Shalom Christmas Dinner Fund, 21 East Foster St, Melrose 02176.  All donations are used exclusively for the Dinner, and any surplus food or money will be donated to other community causes.” 

While reservations are not required, they are seriously encouraged. To reserve a spot or arrange for transportation, please call the Melrose Council on Aging, 781-665-4304.