Homeless enjoy kosher meal at shul
By Diane KovenN, Ottawa Correspondent
Thursday, 12 February 2009, Canadian Jewish News

OTTAWA — Although only a handful of this city’s homeless population is Jewish, they were given an opportunity to come in from the cold on a recent winter day and enjoy a warm and delicious kosher lunch.

In fact, several hundred homeless people were invited to join them, whether they needed, wanted or even understood the meaning of kosher food.

Jewish Family Services of Ottawa (JFS) spearheaded an event that was a lesson in community co-operation, multicultural understanding and goodwill. Teaming up with several churches and community organizations that work with the homeless, JFS arranged for the kosher meal to be served at Congregation Beth Shalom synagogue in downtown Ottawa.

David Smith, owner of Creative Kosher Caterers, volunteered to prepare the January 26 meal with food donated by local businesses.

“This time of year, after Christmas, can be a rather isolating time of year for the homeless,” said Mark Zarecki, executive director of JFS.

“For us, this is an example of tikkun olam … whenever I have been on the streets [with JFS’ Street Smarts program], there are 10 to 12 Jews or Muslims who want kosher or halal food.”

Once the planning started, word spread and volunteers began to call, but so many came forward that some had to be turned away.

Angela Campbell, director of fundraising at the Shepherds of Good Hope, a Christian organization that helps the poor, was on the organizing committee.

“It’s like linking arms, a community effort,” she said. “I was amazed at how this effort got so many volunteers.”

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The sentiment was shared by JFS president Jack Shinder, who noted that many people took a day off work in the middle of the week to serve meals.

“The event somehow touched the volunteer base in a way that is somewhat unique,” he said.

Volunteer Linda Rossman was one of those who answered the call. “I would do it again next year. I wish I could do more,” she said.

When all was said and done, some 200 meals were served – only about half the number that was anticipated. Part of the reason was a lack of public transportation due to a two-month-old transit strike, making it difficult for people to get to the synagogue. In a gesture of goodwill, several striking bus drivers volunteered to drive homeless people to and from the event.

Jane Scharf said she thoroughly enjoyed her meal of soup, salad, kafta, potato and dessert. She and two friends had high praise for the effort.

“I am happy that this community respects the poor enough to put on an event like this. This is a community that is very important to me. It is a population of people that needs a lot more attention… Everyone was treated with respect and dignity,” Scharf said.

Zarecki said he hopes that the kosher meal for the homeless can become an annual event.

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