About a year and a half ago, during a meeting with the Jewish Home at Rockleigh Executive Vice President, Chuck Berkowitz, a discussion ensued about the difficult time we had obtaining a minyon on Shabbat at the JHR. Embarking upon a novel idea, the Home invited local congregations to our facility for Shabbat services and to join us for a delicious Kiddush.
A distinguished colleague, Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner of Temple Emanu-El of Closter, was contacted. He was very enthusiastic about the concept and announced it from the pulpit. Steve Lehman, one of the Rabbi’s dedicated congregants, organized the group which consisted of adults, high school and elementary school students. They began to join us for services once a month.
One cannot help but witness their genuine warmth, enthusiasm and love for our beloved residents as they daven (pray) and read the Torah. Our residents excitedly look forward to their monthly visits, and their involvement adds a special dimension to their quality of life. The presence of this group energizes our residents and reJEWvenates them as they sing in unison so many of our traditional Shabbat melodies.
There is chesed (kindness) and there is genuine, unadulterated chesed with no ulterior motive in mind. This group of 15-20 dedicated souls are completely unaware of the thanks and Hakorat Ha’tov (recognition of the good) that we are bestowing upon them. We are acknowledging that these people take time on Shabbat, away from their congregation and families, and come to our Home in order to inject love and the spirit and joy of this special day into the hearts and minds of a frail and elderly population. Our residents certainly appreciate all their efforts, enjoy connecting with this group, and continue to develop ongoing relationships with them.
With these thoughts in mind, a hearty Yasher Koach (go forth with strength) for your nobel efforts and a job well done is offered to this congregation, its distinguished Rabbi and president. May we continue this shidduch (matching) for many years to come.
We cordially invite other congregations to emulate this mitzvah (good deed) and join us in expanding these joint ventures. In doing so, we will continue to create a more cohesive, loving and caring Jewish community. We pray that this, in turn, will expedite the coming of the Messianic era which will herald world peace and the ultimate redemption of our people. May it come speedily and in our day, Amen.