Chesed Makes All the Difference

At the end of the Thanksgiving and Hanukkah holidays, JFCS would like to take a moment to reflect on Chesed, the Jewish value of actions rooted in empathy and compassion. When some families couldn’t afford Hanukkah gifts or Thanksgiving meals, our community stepped up. Their generosity ensured that no family would go without this holiday season.

JFCS thanks the following individual donors who made Thanksgiving meals possible: Ron & Judy Borinstein, Zack & Yael Melzer, Janet & Sonny Meyer, Jane & Steve Shapiro and Sheila & Stewart Stein. Their kindness helped 85 families celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner.

One family contacted JFCS on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving inquiring about utilizing our food pantry but didn’t have transportation to come to our office before the holiday. Thankfully, our regular food pantry deliveries were scheduled for the next day. We packed this family some food and personal items and included some Thanksgiving sides and a turkey. When the delivery was made, the entire family poured out onto the porch and looked through the bags together. Happy tears were shed by all!

Through the Hanukkah Helpers program, the Women of Temple Shalom, Keneseth Israel and other community donors collected gift cards that were distributed to 27 children. One family member told us, “With five children in the house, Hanukkah is a big expense for us. Our family appreciates all the help you have blessed us with.”

As we expand possibilities for families, we pause to remember the acts of gratitude that help us achieve these goals: the donors who graciously expressed Chesed by providing turkeys and gift cards, the staff and volunteers who coordinated deliveries and the appreciative families who celebrated the holidays with their loved ones.

Every family deserves a Thanksgiving meal, and every child deserves a holiday gift. This is why we do what we do – to ensure that all in Greater Louisville live with dignity and purpose.