‘Chag Sameach’: Hundreds of Passover meals delivered to senior San Diegans for the holiday

Hundreds of seniors in require throughout San Diego County been given foods to fill their Passover Seder plates this 7 days.

Passover, celebrated this yr from April 15-23, is a single of the most critical Jewish vacations and ordinarily begins with a festive Seder feast.

“During Passover, we are reminded that as a Jewish persons, our Torah tales share our journey and the Exodus from Egypt, overcoming slavery, and that tale is core and central to Judaism because it reminds us that we ended up when strangers, and consequently, we are obligated … to the stranger,” reported Carole Yellen, senior director of strategic partnerships for Jewish Loved ones Service. “All of the families obtaining these Passover packages will retell that similar story this yr.”

The Jewish Spouse and children Provider of San Diego’s Center for Jewish Care sent 600 Seder component deals, filled with standard food things these as matzoh, grape juice and Gefilte fish, and 360 kosher Passover foods to seniors forward of the holy holiday. Each and every offer also contained handwritten playing cards and Haggadah books, which explain to the tale of Seder.

The middle was introduced recently to offer you companies to support the Jewish group, these as its 12 months-spherical property-sent meal application for homebound seniors.

This yr, much more than double the amount of foods had been sent for Passover, with assistance from donations from the San Diego Jewish Academy, Shevet Galim Israel Scouts of San Diego and Congregation Beth El.

“The want has only developed in the past number of several years mainly because of the pandemic, so we were being able to grow our attain,” Yellen mentioned.

Between the seniors who acquired Passover meals were Holocaust survivors, housebound seniors and individuals living in poverty. Hillel faculty pupils and Chabad of Downtown also been given some packages.

Oceanside resident Teresa Masters stated she was thankful to acquire the food. Masters, who is 90 many years outdated, says it is tricky to store for groceries and even far more tricky to prepare meals.

“I’m delighted,” Masters mentioned. “I’m satisfied that at this age there can be some joy … And it is so reminiscent of my heritage.”

Volunteers from Hillel at Cal Condition San Marcos, San Diego State, UC San Diego and the University of San Diego, alongside with the Jewish Federation’s Sales opportunities Team, gathered to assemble the packages, which ended up then distributed to seniors across the county.

Yellen explained this collaboration displays that no just one group is likely to clear up on its personal the complex issues facing family members.

“It genuinely normally takes the community, so we’re inviting all of these groups to occur in and assist these efforts,” Yellen added.