My brother’s keeper

Chabad’s “kindness” project seeks to serve community

One of the natural characteristics of being a Jew is doing acts of kindness, says Rebbitzen Chani Ezagui of Chabad of Palm Beach, explaining the motivation behind the shul’s new outreach project, “The Inner Circle.” “Doing simple kindness to others is what we are all about, beginning with our forefather Abraham, whose whole being was chesed (kindness),” she says.

The Inner Circle project, launched recently with an orientation luncheon meeting at the shul for prospective volunteers, will comprise a number of community programs. One is its “Kosher Meals on Wheels,” which will distribute meals not only to the needy, but also to those who are ill or recovering from an operation or a death in the family. Volunteers will also deliver meals to women following childbirth, and to newcomers to the community.

Another Inner Circle program is its “Fooderonomy and Clothing Drive,” which will allow those in need to obtain food from the shul’s pantry, in addition to clothing and other needed items.

An additional program will offer professional counseling, as well as a “listening ear” to those in need of guidance or others who may be facing challenges in life.

The shul has been quietly doing acts of kindness for years, Ezagui says, but not on as large a scale. “Doing a person a favor is what we are here in the world for,” she says. “When you go out and do for others, you get strength yourself.”

After getting together with two shul members, Dana Frances and Brooke Berger, the three women decided to get others involved and make the project a community effort. As a result, the Inner Circle program was conceived, with Frances and Berger serving as co-chairs.

“The Inner Circle is one of the most beautiful kindnesses you can do,” Berger says. “It’s a mitzvah. And the food we deliver is packed in beautiful gift baskets with ribbons, so it doesn’t look like charity. This is a very discreet program.”

Even the distribution of food and clothing is done by special appointment, so it can be done discreetly, she adds.

Co-chair Francis became involved, she says, because “there was really a need for this kind of program,” and because she enjoys helping others.

“This program is wonderful,” she says. “It’s bringing us together as a community.”

The Inner Circle has more than 30 volunteers, even though it has just kicked off, Frances adds. Volunteers cook the meals, wrap the gift baskets and make deliveries to areas in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Lake Worth.

“People should get involved in this program, because it’s a real mitzvah,” she says.

In addition to its many outreach programs, the Inner Circle also will have monthly classes about various topics such as health and safety, Ezagui says, and will offer support groups as well. The objective is to provide kindness and help to those members of the community who might not have anywhere else to obtain it.

“Sometimes, we get caught up in our own materialistic world, and then we see there’s a need out there and our priorities become different,” she says. “All our learning and wisdom is worthwhile if it results in deeds.”

For more information on becoming an Inner Circle volunteer, or to donate canned food, clothing or funds to help the project, call 561-624-7004.