It takes a village to make something special happen
Monroe. Chabad Cares provides 'Chicken Soup & Challah for the Quarantined Soul.'
| 04 May 2020 | 07:47
Rivkah Burston, 11, baked desserts for the “Chicken Soup & Challah for the Quarantined Soul” packages. (
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Dr. Ira Kanis of Monroe helps package soup croutons for the “Chicken Soup & Challah for the Quarantined Soul” packages.
Steven Reich of Harriman picks up “Chicken Soup & Challah for the Quarantined Soul” packages for himself and his grandchildren. Reich helped sponsor some of the Shabbat packages in honor of his birthday he celebrated on Shabbat.
Loaves of homemade fluffy Challah for the “Chicken Soup & Challah for the Quarantined Soul” packages.
Chicken Soup has long been known as the "Jewish Penicillin," bringing a dose of warmth and healing to both body and soul.
Thanks to an initiative of Chabad Cares, along with community sponsors and volunteers, Chabad of Orange County, directed by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, brought "Chicken Soup & Challah to the Quarantined Soul" to many in our community.
The packages were given complimentary to more than 40 recipients throughout the county in honor of Shabbat. Packages included homemade challah, matza ball soup with croutons, desserts and shabbat candles.
“All items were made with gLOVEs!” said Chana Burston.
The gifts were made possible thanks to the generosity of Ira and Karen Kanis, Lee and Michelle Sentell, Stacey Finkelstein, Brigitte Glasser and Steve and Anita Reich.
Those who were not able to arrange curbside pickup from the Chabad Center had their packages delivered by volunteers: Ira and Karen Kanis, Liat and Omer Mosker and Kerry Connors.
Chabad Cares has also been arranging kosher meals for people who are ill or homebound as well as providing “companion calls” to those who need.
“Our building may be closed, but our community outreach is always open,” said Dr. Ira Kanis of Monroe, who led the gift project of Chabad Cares.
“When we come to the synagogue to celebrate the Shabbat," added Rabbi Pesach Burston, "we bring the synagogue to you.”
The community response was incredible. Lester Pleeter of Chester said that since he and his wife have been homebound, they have been having Passover matzah as bread. “It was such a treat to have fluffy Challah.” he said.
Upon receiving her package, Stacey Finkelstein of Middletown wrote: “Thank you so much for the delicious and soul warming Shabbat goodies. I’m heating up the soup, put the candles on a glass tray and can’t wait for the cookies later on.”
To learn more about Chabad community programs, visit www.ChabadOrange.com, call 845-782-2770 or write rabbi@chabadorange.com.