Children from the Chai Center in Canton recently buddied up with seniors from the Simon Fireman House in Randolph. The Chai Center created a Senior Buddy program that links volunteers and families with seniors to enjoy each other's companionship, participate in activities and develop ongoing relationships.
Families and Seniors Mix it Up in Canton, Mass.
Children from the Chai Center in Canton recently buddied up with seniors from the Simon Fireman House in Randolph. The Chai Center created a Senior Buddy program that links volunteers and families with seniors to enjoy each other’s companionship, participate in activities and develop ongoing relationships.
The program began in September as a way to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11.
Chai Center families and seniors from the Simon Fireman House, an independent senior living facility, got together to make challah – bread that generally is eating on the Sabbath and holidays.
Rabbi Mendy Horowitz and his wife, Rivka, brought boxes of flour, bottles of water, eggs and other items for the seniors and their buddies.
There was a special tribute to Mel Sibulkin, who recently died.
“Mel loved when the kids and families from the Chai Jewish Center of Canton came to visit with him,” said Yaffa Bibi, who was Sibulkin’s buddy partner. “I was a Randolph resident for 30 years and recently downsized and moved to Quincy. When Rivka called me and asked if I would participate in the senior buddy program, I said yes without hesitation. You see, the older I get, I feel for the elderly more and more. After all, I will be there one day too. Everyone has a different story and it is wonderful to listen to everyone’s story.”
For Fireman resident Miriam Freedman, the challah-making get-together brought back memories.
“I remember my mother making challah when I was a girl, but I could never remember the ingredients,” she said.
The Canton Chai Center plans to continue its Senior Buddy Program.
“We want the volunteers and the seniors to enjoy each other’s company,” Rivka Horowitz said. “Everyone can schmooze and have the opportunity to learn about each other’s lives and perspectives. This will be a monthly program where at a culmination breakfast, each group will present a book of memories, ideas and lessons that they have learned from their buddy.”
Other elements to the program include giving seniors the opportunities to have philosophical discussions on what is most important to them at this point in their lives, and having a place to celebrate important holidays with people who care about them.
yossi
keep up the good work
Shneur Zalman
Mendy and Rivky Keep up the Great work! The Rebbe is proud of You!
The one who shares your ICE CREAM!!
go Rivky!!
Sara
Amazing Shluchim! Can’t wait to be at the upcoming Chanukas Habayis of your new Chabad House!Keep up your great work!
Faiga M
Rivky and Mendy Horowiz,such nice ppl. doing great Shluchos work!
Admirer
Best Shluchim ever! Your community is so lucky to have you!
Used to live in MA
yay rivky!!!! from a former NEHA student!! Hi Yaffa, we used to go on the van with your kids :)
Devorie andfamily
MENDY AND RIVKY AND ALL THE KIDS WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU ALL!YOU DO A GREAT JOB OUT THERE ON SHLICHUS AND KEEP GOING NON-STOP!YOU MAKE THE REBBE SO PROUD!ONLY PROBLEM IS WE DON’T SEE YOU OFTEN ENOUGH BUT WE ARE CLOSE AT HEART AND LOVE YOU!GOOD LUCK !