We didn’t have to ski in the Alps nor did we have to brave the cold to enjoy host Fern’s favorite Swiss food – raclette – for Shabbat dinner. Although this melted cheese dish, with roasted vegetables, boiled potatoes and gherkins may have originated in medieval convents in Switzerland and is enjoyed après ski in the Alps, it translated very well onto Fern’s beautiful Shabbat table. Continue reading
As many of you know, our group has been assisting two brothers who escaped from Afghanistan during the American-led evacuation in the summer of 2021. The brothers were separated from their parents and four siblings, who were left behind in Afghanistan.
We now have fantastic news to report! Those six other family members have finally joined Sediq and Masih in New Jersey. To top it off, the family (including Sediq and Masih) has now found two apartments in Montclair (with the help of Shirley Grill and HomeCorp).
This past weekend, the family moved into their two new apartments in Montclair with the assistance of Shomrei volunteers. Continue reading
This spring, for my Bat Mitzvah project, I had the opportunity to organize a Pre-Passover Food Drive to benefit seven families in the Family Promise Essex (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) program, collecting grocery items and cash donations that were put into ShopRite gift cards for each family. I am so happy to report that it was a success! Continue reading
Today’s MESH meal was prepared by Shirley Grill who was the shopper and lead Chef with the very able assistance of Susan Rosenblatt and David Grill (packing duty!). Sarah and Charles Steindel bought and delivered apples, string cheese and breakfast bars. Continue reading
Shirley and David Grill and Linda Ariel planned, shopped and prepared 20 nutritious Grab and Go Meals at the Grills’ home and delivered them to the MESH Staff for distribution. The meals are now handed out at Shomrei on Tuesdays at or about 4 pm. The hearty bags included:
Menu:
Chicken fingers and potato puffs, kale salad, baby carrots, Swiss rolls, breakfast cookies, clementines and water! Continue reading
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
Many thanks to Shirley and David Grill for contributing 30 takeaway meals for our MESH guests this past Tuesday evening. The bags were prepared by the Watchung Deli and included: 27 Turkey on Rye, 3 Vegetarian Sandwiches, chips, cookies and a water bottle. The deli delivered the sandwiches to Karen Altman, who included a note in each bag with the menu and a message from Shomrei to stay safe, healthy and to follow social distancing! Karen brought the meals to the Salvation Army driveway where the MESH Staff removed them from her trunk and distributed them to the MESH guests who were already lined up. Many thanks to Karen! Continue reading
Sat, Feb 2, 10:30 am
Free and open to everyone
Good Coffee and Nosh!
It takes courage to leave the known world for new frontiers. The panel members will share their experiences and open up the discussion to the audience so that we can all explore the journey of finding meaning in work and life.
Our panel, led by Dale Russakoff, who left her longtime job as a reporter at the Washington Post in 2008 to become a freelance writer, will consist of:
Alison Wininger
A public interest lawyer who represented low-income clients in the Bronx, Harlem and London, then chose to become a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters. She has begun to share her passion for social justice with her older daughter, Abigail, now 3, and together they volunteered with IHN for the first time in December. Continue reading
From Captain Linda Ariel:
On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 24 hungry guests were served at the MESH Cafe at Congregation Shomrei Emunah. The chef, Sarah Steindel, was assisted by Sarita Eisenberg and Charles Steindel.
There were many people helping with serving, clean up, and washing the pots and pans. They included volunteers Erin Berman and Lou Hammerman and teens Amalia, Siona, Sebastian, Sam, Rachel, and Matt. There were also four MASH staff who collaborated in making the evening a smooth, welcoming environment. Continue reading