Lifting Spirits
Bringing Comfort and Support During a Time of Need
During a hospital stay, patients are surrounded by beeping machines and the sterile smell of antiseptic, leaving them yearning for a sense of home. The nights are eerily quiet and devoid of connection, while the days bring an endless parade of doctors and nurses. Illness disrupts a patient’s daily routine, filling their lives with uncertainty and fear.
“There’s a certain disconnect from family, friends, and community when people enter a hospital setting,” said Debby Pfeiffer, a Jewish chaplain at Morristown Medical Center. “They feel lonely and isolated, in addition to feelings of sadness and frustration.”
It’s hard to discern how to best help someone dealing with an illness or enduring a lengthy hospital stay. However, it’s usually the smallest gestures of kindness that make a world of difference in a patient’s journey.
Ten years ago, Dara and David Orbach, of Livingston, were visiting David’s mother, Jocheved Orbach, as she underwent cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. At that time, Jocheved was gifted a box containing all the necessary items to observe the Sabbath. This simple and thoughtful gesture allowed them to remain by Jocheved’s side and recite prayers with her – a memory they would cherish after she passed.
Dara, inspired by that moment, suggested that the Orbachs help create and sponsor Friendship Circle’s Shabbat kit program in Jocheved’s memory.
The kits are filled with love and touching details to make patients feel as though they are enjoying a Shabbat dinner in the comfort of their own home, rather than inside a hospital. In addition to beautiful Shabbat candles, a kiddush cup, and grape juice, each kit contains a cheerful yellow flower and vase. The kits are thoughtfully created with the intent of showering patients with support and kindness during an otherwise stressful time.
“This is touching so many people,” said David Orbach. “Patients receive the essentials to properly observe the Sabbath. Knowing that it’s in memory of my mother means a lot.”
Recently, Friendship Circle expanded the program to include Bikur Cholim brunch bags. Bikur Cholim is the Jewish tradition of visiting the sick, offering prayers for an easy recovery, and providing items they may need and moral support. The canvas bags are beautifully adorned with ribbon and a caring message from Friendship Circle. The nourishing food inside is immaculately packaged and designed to convey an outpouring of support from the Jewish community.
“My friend and I were astonished at how stunning the packaging looked and everything tasted absolutely amazing,” said Karen, a recipient of a brunch bag. “I am in awe.”
“I just received the most amazing food comfort bag,” said another patient. “You can’t imagine how touched I am!”
What makes both the Shabbat kits and Bikur Cholim brunch bags unique is that they are lovingly created by young adults with special needs through Friendship Circle’s 21+ program. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, the 21+ program meets at LifeTown to bake muffins and quiches, and to cook soup. The participants then pack additional healthy items such as yogurt and fresh fruit, all while socializing and gaining valuable life skills.
“I want people to be proud of me,” Hannah exclaimed as she packaged yogurt with friends. “It feels so good to help people in need.”
After the passing of Orbach’s father, Joseph, this March, Dara suggested that the Orbachs also begin sponsoring these packages in his memory.
“This effort not only helps adults with special needs feel productive,” said David Orbach. “But it also provides tremendous support for those recovering from an illness.”
By contributing to a meaningful cause, the young adults feel a strong sense of purpose. They then pass the baton to Friendship Circle volunteers who pack and deliver all the kits and brunch bags each week. So many caring people give their time to make a patient’s day just a bit brighter.
“The program illustrates a full circle,” said Friendship Circle volunteer, Anne Weisenberg. Every Wednesday, Weisenberg along with a group of volunteers, packs the Shabbat kits and brunch bags before delivering everything to local residences and hospitals. “In cooking and prepping the food for sick individuals in the community, the Friendship Circle young adults learn the life skill of cooking and the patients in turn, feel the warmth and love from the community.”
“I can’t wait to dig in,” said Carol, a recipient of a brunch bag. “I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and prayers. It means so much to me.”
Each week, about 20-30 Bikur Cholim brunch bags are delivered to local hospitals and to homes of people recovering from illness or medical procedures. In addition, patients in 8 area hospitals and senior homes, such as Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center, and Morristown Medical Center receive 100 Shabbat kits weekly.
“When patients receive one of these beautiful bags filled with delicious food, it feels like a hug from the Jewish community,” said Pfeiffer of the brunch bags. “You can see the care that went into it. But it’s not just about the food; it’s the message conveyed in the bag, ‘We, the Jewish community, care about you.’”
That care and heartfelt love are obvious in each package, bringing smiles to patients during difficult times and reminding them that they are not alone.
For more information or to request a bag, please visit https://fcnj.com/brunch/
