With the help of the community, Jewish Family Service delivered bags of joy and hope to Jewish seniors across the area residing in assisted living, care homes, long-term care facilities, and independent living communities.
Each Rosh Hashanah bag was filled with symbolic treats for the New Year: challah rolls, apples, honey, and a Jewish calendar. The challah was lovingly baked by volunteers at JFS’s first (and now annual) Community Challah Bake. The bags were decorated by students at Strelitz International Academy, with many including handmade cards from students and community members, alike. Volunteers from the JFS board and staff packed the bags, which were then delivered door-to-door by members of the wider Jewish community — making this project a collaborative mitzvah.
As part of the outreach, JFS also visited Aviva Pembroke. Harriet Meier joined in the effort, helping to spread warmth and connection as she delivered cards and greetings alongside the treats.
“These holiday outreach bags are a small token of appreciation from JFS and the community to the elders in our community,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development. “I delivered a bag to a lovely woman in a facility whose smile filled the room when she saw the challah roll. Though mostly nonverbal, she showed me how she used to braid her own challah. That quiet moment reminded me of the deep joy our traditions can bring.”
“We are just so thankful that Jewish Family Service can think of all of us during this holiday season,” said Lynn Seltzer, as she prepared to deliver bags to her neighbors.
This project is an example of how outreach can be deeply enriching — not just for those receiving, but also for those giving.
