Chabad’s Kitchen of Kindness delivers meals and a community hug

'We need to have a sense of community and take care of each other'

A new South Hills-based program is delivering kosher food as a quasi-communal hug. Kitchen of Kindness, an initiative of Chabad of the South Hills, enables volunteers to cook and deliver homemade meals to individuals experiencing hardship.

The program, which started Sept. 6 at Chabad of the South Hills, is intended to provide community members with nourishment and “show them that they’re not alone and we’re here for them,” Rabbi Levi Rosenblum, a youth director at Chabad of the South Hills, told the Chronicle.

“People like to give back,” fellow youth director Hindy Rosenblum said. This is a “way to give.”

During its first meeting, Kitchen of Kindness brought together about 10 participants to prepare spaghetti, meatballs, sweet carrots, honey cakes and chocolate chip cookies.

South Hills resident Uriel Marcovitz volunteered at the event and praised organizers for creating the intentional opportunity.

“They took real time to think about what to send to people,” he said. A Rosh Hashanah theme was clear, recipes were followed and each meal offered a recipient a “heimish sort of feel.”

Over the course of about 90 minutes, 50 meals were made. And, shortly following the gathering, each meal was personally delivered to an older adult as a lead-up to Rosh Hashanah, Levi Rosenblum said.

As important as it is to make meals, moments together during deliveries are equally vital to the operation, he continued. “We want to show [people] we didn’t forget about them and we’re really here for them.”

Handwritten notes helped convey a sense of care.

Brookline resident and volunteer Rivka Gottschall wrote personal cards to accompany each Rosh Hashanah meal. Gottschall told the Chronicle she also joined organizers to deliver the holiday-themed packages to older adults at Concordia of the South Hills.

“I like to help others and give back to the community,” Gottschall said, adding that doing so is a reminder of what’s essential in life.

“Kitchen of Kindness is here because we need to get back to the basics,” Gottschall said. “We need to have a sense of community and take care of each other. We are too busy working and on our phones all the time. It’s time to set aside time and be there for others. And others need to know it’s OK to reach out for help. If they are lonely or need something, we are here.”

Kitchen of Kindness is “for anyone who can use a little support,” Levi Rosenblum said. “We’re calling it like a hug from the community.”

Organizers hope the South Hills-based program, which is one of nearly 100 similar offerings available at Chabads nationwide, garners interest among volunteers of all ages. Along with separate programming for younger adults, Kitchen of Kindness aims to provide opportunities for individuals to host private events, whether to celebrate birthdays or other meaningful occasions.

“People like to give back,” Hindy Rosenblum said. “Here’s a way to do it.”

The next scheduled volunteer session is Oct. 18.

Whether volunteers register and come once or return on a regular basis, this is “such a nice way for the community to get together and support other members in the community who can use a little bit extra support,” Hindy Rosenblum continued. “There’s always a time to be helpful, and there’s nothing like getting a home-cooked meal.” PJC

Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.