Author Archives: Linda Ariel

Shomrei’s Thanksgiving Food Drive 2020

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During the pandemic, many citizens have lost their jobs, have had their work hours cut, and have found that the limited resources they had no longer suffice. In times like these, it is fortunate that Montclair has caring institutions to support people until the national economic crisis improves.

At Shomrei, we have been concerned about the ever-expanding food insecurity in our town. One of our ongoing efforts has been our work in providing weekly dinners for people through MESH.

The Shomrei Social Action Committee created a subcommittee during Summer 2020 that would focus on food insecurity. One of our first initiatives was to connect with the Human Needs Food Pantry to collaborate on their annual Thanksgiving collection. Continue reading →

Prayer Vigil in Glenfield Park

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vigilA major message that has been communicated in response to the murder of George Floyd is that we each must find a way to take action. The Social Action Committee, chaired by Audrey Levitin and Sarita Eisenberg, published in the June 4th ShomreiWeek a range of opportunities for us to contemplate.

Last Sunday (June 7) I opted to attend a Prayer Vigil, which took place at 2:00 p.m. at the Football Field in Glenfield Park, located on Maple Avenue in Montclair. This gathering was organized by Reverend Michael Spivey of the Citadel of Hope Worship Center in Bloomfield. It was described as an open invitation for all to participate in prayers for our families, community, and our nation. In that it was stated that demonstrators would be adhering to social distancing guidelines, I felt that this was a safe way in which to express solidarity and to advocate for change in our community.

Continue reading →

In Memory of Carol Cathey

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I have met many people as a member of Shomrei Emunah, and all of them have taught me so much about their lives, about myself, and about our space in the world.

I first noticed Carol Cathey from a distance.  She came regularly to Shabbat morning services, and I was struck by how outgoing she was, how stylishly and yet comfortably she dressed, and how easily she navigated the synagogue with her walker. Continue reading →

MESH Report Feb 4, 2020

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From Captain Linda Ariel:

It was an overcast evening, yet this did not interfere with the Carol Starr MESH Cafe at Shomrei having a full house of guests. John Lasiter, chef par excellence, was assisted by Elliot Fischer in preparing a scrumptious dinner of appetizers of popovers and latkes, followed by the main course of barbecued chicken, cole slaw, roasted potatoes, bread and margarine.

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MESH Report Nov 5, 2019

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From Captain Linda Ariel:

It was a brisk Tuesday evening on November 5, 2019, and we were blessed with many more volunteers than we had initially anticipated. This allowed the group of Shomrei MESH hosts to run a seamless kitchen and service crew for our 24 guests and to accommodate the four take-away dinners for people for whom we did not have room to seat.

Continue reading →

MESH Report 5/21/19

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From Captain Linda Ariel:

It was a lively evening at the Carol Starr MESH Cafe at Shomrei. It was a warm sunny evening, and the days were surely getting longer. We hosted 24 guests and were able to send four additional lucky people home with dinner.  Sarita Eisenberg was top chef with the many able assistants, Chaya Kotlowitz, Charles Steindel, and Sarah Steindel ably preparing a delicious and colorful feast. Jonah and Madeline were the teen volunteers who did anything and everything that was needed to help. Lou Hammerman pitched in as both a server and a pot washer par excellence.

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MESH Report 3/26/2019

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Report from Captain Linda Ariel:

With the days lengthening and the temperatures still fluctuating in early spring, we hosted twenty-four guests with three additional people who were fortunate to take away food, since there was limited space in the cafe. Sarita Eisenberg and Sarah Steindel were the chefs for the evening and were assisted by Susan Rosenblatt and Lou Hammerman as sous chefs, servers, and cleanup crew. Amalia, Noah, and Orly were teen helpers who assisted in every task of the evening. The MESH staff of Adrienne, Bonny and Joe pitched in as they always do with their expertise and familiarity with many of our guests. Continue reading →

MESH Report 2/26/2019

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Report from Captain Linda Ariel:

The Carol Starr MESH Cafe welcomed twenty-four guest on this cold wintry evening. Sarita Eisenberg and Sarah Steindel were co-chefs and created a delicious and generous repast, some of which was re-purposed from the Honor Night dinner for Nick Levitin. The menu included appetizers of carrot salad, couscous, and cucumber salad with cheese and crackers on the side, the main course of middle eastern fish stew, baked salmon, roasted broccoli, rice, bread and butter, and finally fruit salad and cookies as dessert.

Continue reading →

MESH Cafe Oct 9, 2018

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MeshReport from Captain Linda Ariel:

On a warm and humid evening, we welcomed 24 guests for a sumptuous meal consisting of a green salad with buttered challah on the side, Moroccan baked salmon with rice and lentils and roasted broccoli and carrots, and a dessert of fruit salad, cookies, and chocolate cake. Our chefs extraordinaires were Sarita Eisenberg and Sara Steindel with assistant chefs of Lou Hammerman and Charles Steindel. Susan Rosenblatt and Linda Ariel pitched in as well with the preparation of the many dishes.  Continue reading →