MESH Report Nov 26, 2024 (Teen MESH)

We had an enthusiastic and dedicated Teen MESH crew cook a hearty meal this week. Collin set the tone for Teen MESH by spending his Sunday, baking cookies and bagging them for the dessert. Monday afternoon, Team Leader Jordan, brought five of her friends from Montclair High to prep and cook the dinner for 50 guests who would be served at the Office on Tuesday. The teens prepared 18 lbs of Fern’s Hot and Sweet meatballs, 10 lbs of white rice, and 10 lbs of fresh green bean salad mixed with halved cherry tomatoes and red onions.

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Family Promise Grocery Support Over the Top!

Shomrei partnered with Family Promise to provide groceries for two families living in temporary housing. Not only were enough groceries collected for the two families, but there were enough groceries to stock the Family Promises food pantry. Also, twenty $25 Shop Rite gift cards were donated to provide families in food crises some emergency relief. And there were still enough dry goods to fill Shomrei’s Little Pantry.

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Teen Squad MESH, Oct 22, 2024

On Monday evening, Shomrei teens came together to volunteer for MESH and formed the Teen Squad, led by Jordan with help from Collin and Eva.  Collin also brought the cookies for the dinner dessert. MESH Mentor Fern Heinig planned the menu and did the shopping. The Squad ate pizza while organizing the tasks ahead and then went to work. Continue reading

What are you doing for Shabbat?

The weekend in Israel (Friday and Saturday) is approaching and as a visitor, the number one question I always get, What are you doing for Shabbat? Friends ask. People I just met casually, ask. The nine-year-old daughter of a friend of mine texted to ask me, What I was doing for Shabbat?

At one time, my American Jewish perspective interpreted this question to mean, was I Shomer Shabbos? Since I am not, I always answered this question vaguely. Continue reading

MESH Report January 23, 2024

We had a very efficient crew today. Very experienced MESH volunteers and packing experts, Susan Rosenblatt and Alex Kent felt like they were cheated out of their volunteer hours by finishing so early.

Lynne Tapper and chef Fern prepared the meal:
Baked Salmon with homemade Tzatziki
Cous Cous Salad made with cous cous, cucumbers, peppers, cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and black olives Continue reading

Seder Means Order

IMG_1856The Sunday before Passover I sent a note to my family asking if they may be interested in a family zoom seder. I promised no more than a half hour. Passover is my favorite holiday and being sheltered alone, I needed some kind of holiday. To my surprise, 90% agreed.  My immediate family is twenty five people. Though my friends reserve a place at my seder table a year in advance, my family will argue to only eat and no actual seder. My house, my rules and I force the seder.

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MESH Report Mar 24, 2020

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Because of the “lock down”, our usual guests at the Carol Starr Cafe are experiencing more food challenges than the normal week.  MESH is making an effort to supply take away meals for all who need.

The Chaos Crew took the “Meal” challenge last night.  We decided to perform a double mitzvah, feed our usual guests and support a local restaurant which is struggling to stay open.  Jackie’s Grillette will not close their doors as long as they break even daily.  They do not want to lay off any of their employees who need their paycheck to feed their own families.  Jackie’s rose to the challenge and supplied 30 individual bags with a very hearty sandwich, cole slaw, and a bottle of water.

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