Jewish community to receive Passover meals

The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester and Jewish Family Service plan to provide Passover Seder meals to anyone who is unable to leave their homes, including the elderly, immunocompromised, those with disabilities and those who do not have family or other supports to assist them.

Passover begins on April 8 and is the most celebrated holiday in the Jewish world. Seder is a ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Kosher chef Eli Barashi and the staff of Inspired Catering have been working to prepare the meals, officials said.

“In the spirit of the Passover holiday, Jewish Family Service is thrilled to be able to provide a glimmer of hope and community amidst the hard times we currently face as a community, country and world,”  Jennie Schaff, president and CEO of Jewish Family Service, said in a statement. “We hope that through the tastes of familiar and customary Passover foods we can bring the essence of the holiday into the homes of those who would not otherwise be able to celebrate.”

Volunteer drivers will pick up more than 300 meal packages from Congregation Beth Sholom today and Tuesday and deliver them to households across the community. Volunteers are strictly observing the CDC guidelines of social distancing throughout.

“I am very proud of this joint effort to provide Passover meals to our community members. As part of our mission, Federation responds to people in need, and the needs are great right now,” said Meredith Dragon, CEO of the Jewish Federation. “This is one act of kindness that shows people how much we truly care about their well being.”

Dragon said one of the challenges we face today is how to build community while we are isolated.

“Providing Passover meals to community members allows us to rely on each other, even while we are apart, which ultimately strengthens all of us,” Dragon added.

The Jewish Federation works to build and protect a strong Jewish future in Rochester, Israel and worldwide through philanthropy, engagement, education and advocacy. Jewish Family Service strengths all individuals, families and communities by providing comprehensive social services that are built upon Jewish traditions of dignity, kindness and tikun olam, improving the world.

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