Chabad Cares Provides ‘Chicken Soup & Challah for the Quarantined Soul’
Chicken Soup has long been known as the “Jewish Penicillin,” bringing a dose of warmth and healing to both body and soul.
It takes a village to make something special happen! Thanks to an initiative of Chabad Cares, along with community sponsors and volunteers, Chabad of Orange County, directed by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, brought “Chicken Soup & Challah to the Quarantined Soul” to many in our community. The packages were given complimentary to over forty recipients throughout the County in honor of Shabbat. Packages included homemade challah, matza ball soup with croutons, desserts and shabbat candles. “All items were made with gLOVEs!” said Chana Burston.
The gifts were made possible thanks to the generosity of Ira & Karen Kanis, Lee & Michelle Sentell, Stacey Finkelstein, Brigitte Glasser, Steve & Anita Reich. Those who were not able to arrange curbside pickup from the Chabad Center had their packages delivered by volunteers: Ira and Karen Kanis, Liat and Omer Mosker and Kerry Connors.
Chabad Cares has also been arranging kosher meals for people who are ill or homebound as well as providing “companion calls” to those who need.
“Our building may be closed, but our community outreach is always open,” said Dr. Ira Kanis of Monroe, who led the gift project of Chabad Cares. “When we come to the synagogue to celebrate the Shabbat, we bring the synagogue to you!” added Rabbi Pesach.
The community response was incredible. Lester Pleeter of Chester said that since he and his wife have been homebound, they have been having Passover matzah as bread. “It was such a treat to have fluffy Challah!” he said.
Upon receiving her package, Stacey Finkelstein of Middletown wrote “Thank you so much for the delicious and soul warming Shabbat goodies. I’m heating up the soup, put the candles on a glass tray and can’t wait for the cookies later on!”
Dr. Jen Reich of Highland Mills said “Thank you, Rabbi Pesach and Chana, for making our Shabbat even more special!”
To learn more about Chabad community programs, visit www.ChabadOrange.com, call 845-782-2770 or write rabbi@chabadorange.com
