The concept of ahava; love and simcha; enjoyment was present in our community on erev Shavuot and several community volunteer organizations joined to provide food from Mauzone Caterers for the needy. Separate boxes of meat and dairy, special for the Shavuot holiday, were provided to each family. This display of unity during the pandemic included members of Chaveirim of Queens, Hatzolah of Queens, Misaskim of Queens, New York State Chaplains Task Force joining the Kosher Response to bring happiness to those in need throughout Queens.
Kosher Response is all about bringing kosher food packages to those on the frontlines by using our small local businesses to say thank you. Kosher Response had aided hospital workers, EMS branches, fire stations, sanitation departments, police departments and others who helped the community during the difficult times from around New York and further.
Kosher Response started when the Gabriel Boxer, its founder, was at work at the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic and work slowed. Gabriel is well-known as the Kosher Guru and simply desired to give back and say thank you in a big way. A message came through from Gabriel’s dear friend Steve Weinrib that he had a good friend, Dr. Dan Haller who was on staff at a local hospital South Nassau Communities Hospital, working around the clock and needed a nourishing meal. Gabriel quickly found out how many people were in his unit. He then arranged a beautiful order from a few restaurants and then more orders quickly followed adding more eateries to the growing list – from a pizza parlor, to a Chinese take-out to a café and a kosher deli. Soon word spread and many joined the cause to assist the endeavor and get involved. Gabriel then ensured a website was hastily built and the venture continues to grow. Today there are over 100 volunteers delivering hundreds of meals a day. The US Navy stationed at the Javits Center was also accommodated around Pesach time.
The project has evolved to include destination in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, among many others. As donations come in more areas are tackled across the nation. The notion of supporting local establishments was never lost on the team and they strive to support the mom and pop kosher restaurants in our neighborhoods. Breakfast of bagels and spreads to lunches of assorted wraps are common to pizza, pasta and salads as well. Dinner might be sandwiches or a Chinese menu to other eatery menus.
The concept of chesed; kindness and making a kiddush Hashem; sanctifying our Creator’s name, has prevailed throughout the initiative. The Kosher Guru continues the Kosher Response everyday dedicating his time to keep those in need prepared to tackle the days ahead.
Kosher Response has progressed to arrange for the purchase of give cards from local food shops for families in need of support. The program also launched Shabbos in a Box where families bought a Shabbos box for themselves and in turn helped send an additional box to either a healthcare hero or family in need, at the choice of the donor.
To place a donation, go to kosherresponse.com.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Kosher Response Brings Love Through Joy
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