This past Monday, JFCS was fortunate to co-host* a Seder for seniors, including the local Holocaust Survivors we support. It was a beautiful event and the first time in several years we’ve been able to hold a Passover Seder in person for this group.
 
A few days prior, I was telling a friend about the event. She asked if she could attend as a volunteer, in her words “to feed her soul.” She was of course welcome – it is after all the Passover theme to “let all who are hungry, come and eat,” even if that nourishment is for the soul as much as the body.
 
This exchange had me reflecting on how fortunate I am to work in an environment that feeds my soul each and every day by seeing the staff at JFCS serve our community with compassion. We are serving thousands of individuals across the community, but it is the small, individual moments that stick with you…
 
Learning our staff member packed a few extra meals for a Kosher Meals on Wheels recipient who missed a delivery due to illness, wanting to ensure he had more than enough as he recovered.
 
Hearing a client leaving a counseling session in better spirits than when they arrived.
 
Seeing the relief on a senior client’s face after connecting with a care manager with new reassurance that they are not along in making big decisions.
 
Receiving a card of thanks, handmade by the children of a food pantry client, sharing their gratitude for our service keeping food on their family table.
 
I hope your holiday is filled with small moments of joy. May your soul be fed as you gather at your Seder table this Passover.
 
Chag Sameach,
Michelle Napell
Executive Director
 
*Seder was co-hosted with Golden Age Club of JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks and Abrams Camp. Event partially funded by the Jewish Federation Princeton Mercer Bucks. Our thanks to Adath Israel Congregation for use of their space to hold event.
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