For hundreds of Texas residents whose special needs preclude the possibility of independent living, state-supported residential facilities provide the care and support unavailable at home. And while they’re a distinct minority, Jewish residents – whose spiritual needs were, just a generation ago, frequently neglected by government agencies – can take part in a variety of programs offered by a decade-long partnership between caregivers and a Houston non-profit.
TX Program Provides Jewish Outlet to Institutionalized Residents
For hundreds of Texas residents whose special needs preclude the possibility of independent living, state-supported residential facilities provide the care and support unavailable at home. And while they’re a distinct minority, Jewish residents – whose spiritual needs were, just a generation ago, frequently neglected by government agencies – can take part in a variety of programs offered by a decade-long partnership between caregivers and a Houston non-profit.
Back in 1999, Rabbi Dovid Goldstein, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of West Houston and associate director of Chabad Outreach of Houston, began visiting Jewish residents at the Richmond State Supported Living Center southwest of the city to coordinate Shabbat and holiday programs. The program grew and today comprises the adult division of Houston’s Friendship Circle, part of an international network of projects more commonly known for pairing teenage volunteers with children with special needs.
Similar initiatives provide Jewish programming three of Texas’ 13 state-supported facilities.
“It has been so wonderful; the programs have really kept her Jewish,” said Abbie Gottlieb, referring to her 22-year-old daughter who has been a resident in Richmond for five years. “If there weren’t these Jewish programs, she wouldn’t have anything of her religion. She likes all of the activities and especially the kosher meals.”
Visits at Gottlieb’s residence include Shabbat observances – complete with the traditional bread known as challah, grape juice and a candle-lighting ceremony – prayer services, songs, storytelling and lessons about an upcoming holiday.
“Just because a person might have physical limitations doesn’t mean that his or soul is limited,” said Goldstein, who serves as the state facilities’ Jewish chaplain. “They deserve to have Jewish opportunities.”
