Posted to Op-Ed on

Op-Ed: “The Positive Experience I Just Had”

by Chaya Kagen

The Ahavsas Chesed Soup Kitchen in Crown Heights.

As an avid reader of CrownHeights.info, I really enjoy to read the many articles, op-eds, news items etc. that are posted daily. As a little refresher from the “Shidduch Crisis” articles I find myself reading a little too often these days, and those criticizing what our community has turned into, I’ve decided to write about a wonderful, positive experience I just had.

Recently, a very good friend of mine got married and I had the honor of hosting her last Sheva Brochos. I chose to hold the event at a venue called the Chessed Center. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Chessed Center is located at 271 Kingston Avenue and is home to an organization called Ahavas Chessed. This organization, run by Rabbi Avrohom Lieder, aids people who need medical attention and support, as well as houses a year-round Kosher soup kitchen.

I’ve know about this place – been there a time or two for random events, but never got to see the soup kitchen in full swing. Having to set up for the Sheva Brochos and being slightly OCD, I showed up at the center three hours before my event to prepare. I was told that the Kitchen would be open until 7:30, but I was free to do whatever work I could in the back. As I busily prepared, I couldn’t help but observe the scene around me.

Let me start with the appearance of the center. Upon walking in I was pleasantly surprised as to how inviting the place was. The décor of the room was welcoming and fresh. There were plants around the room, and chairs and tables neatly set up. Adorning each table was a pretty little vase with a flower and a candle beside it; I felt like I was walking into a café. You could tell there was much sensitivity and care put behind the room so that people would feel at home and good about themselves walking in there and not C”V belittled.

Throughout the evening all types of people came into the Kitchen. You could tell there were the “usuals,” then there were newcomers, elderly people, 770 Bochurim, and even some families. No matter who you were, if this was your first visit or your hundredth, you were made to feel as though you were the only one that mattered. A volunteer immediately came to greet you carrying a warm, loving smile, told you what was on the menu, sat you down at a table, and quickly went to get some food.

Now, let me tell you about this food. It wasn’t canned or frozen, or looking like a mystery meal of some sort, but a delicious, home cooked dinner, starting with some bread and hot chicken soup, then onto chicken, rice, salad, knishes and for dessert, juicy watermelon. They even offered to-go styrofoam containers if you wanted to take some food for later!

Taking it all in as I set for my event, I was filled with a mix of emotions. I couldn’t help but feel so thankful for the clothes on my back, the food on my table and the warm comfortable bed in which I sleep in every night, as well as lots of other things we all tend to take for granted. I was filled with a sense of pride for the beautiful community I live in, and could not be more proud to say where I am from. I was truly touched and inspired by all those who give daily to make such a wonderful place happen.

A huge Yasher Koach to Rabbi Lieder and the beautiful Chessed Center he runs, as well as to all the donors, volunteers, and people who make this kitchen a possibility. I was really moved by this special organization and the great work they are doing. May Hashem Bentch all of you with endless Brochos to continue being able to help and touch all the people that you do.

Chaya Kagan

Related Articles

8 Comments

  • Rabbi E. Glazerson

    wow, some type of an op-ed or editorial with someone’s name affixed to it.

    notice, that the only time people arent afraid to attach their name to their writings is when they are not critisizing.

    perhaps we should only publish writings with our names affixed, meaning, that if our names arent, we dont stand behind what we say strongly enough.

    it looks liket his kitchen does wonderful work.
    aleh vehatzlach. may there be no need for such establishments in the future.

  • Sarah-le

    great article! thank you for writing.

    heres a thought- i wouldnt advise using the ocd disorder in casual terms, or as cool lingo. it is a disorder that people unfortunately suffer from and need treatment for.

    If you are b”h healthy, its best to use other terminology. People arent ‘slightly ocd’. If they have ocd, they suffer from obssesive thoughts which compels them to repeat compulsive behaviors in an effort to find relief. Instead of finding relief this causes more obssesive thoughts and a cycle that is very hard to break free from.

    beautiful article though, thank you for sharing and writing. Best of luck to you. I’m sure you meant no harm. Hatlocha Rabba in everything.

  • israeli women

    thank you for writing this chaya , i was there several times i also volunteered , The first time I went there I had tears in my eyes,I was so happy to find such a place in Crown Heights, a place where I felt like home, warm and welcoming , Thank you Rabbi Lieder for all that you do , you gave me back the hope…and loving place when I needed , When no one was there to listen, you helped me, p.s the food really tasty and fresh , LShanna Tova UMetuka May Hashem Bless You. Rabbi Lieder fulfills my dream I wish I could be an integral part of the chessed he do , from me , the israeli Defense Forces soldier :)