Friendship Circle Delivers Passover Joy

As flowers bloom, ushering in a new spring season, Jewish people around the world gather at Seder tables to tell the Passover story of resilience and new beginnings. Families reconnect during this meaningful holiday, but Friendship Circle fostered a bigger, more universal connection throughout the entire community.

A group of rabbinic students spent part of their holiday vacation personally delivering shmura matzah to over 1,000 homes across Livingston. Doors opened to surprised and delighted faces as people received the distinct, hand rolled matzah. Unlike regular matzah, which is watched from the time of milling, shmura matzah is watched from the time of harvest to ensure that no moisture contacts the wheat, making it special.

Friendship Circle also distributed shmura matzah to visitors at LifeTown. In all, 6,500 shmura matzahs were distributed.

“Many families don’t normally purchase shmura matzah for their Seders,” said Berel Grossbaum, one of the delivery volunteers. “We wanted to reach out to as many people as possible and show care, love and support for the community.”

One recipient, Norah Lichtenstein, said, “Thank you for sending the traditional round matzah to our doorstep with the enthusiastic young men from Chabad. Steven and I look forward to reading and learning from the information attached and eating this matzah at the first night’s Seder.”

The deliveries were filled with personal touches, setting them apart from typical mail or packages homes receive daily. Rather than simply leaving matzah on each doorstep, the volunteers took the time to speak with each family about Passover, spreading joy and love.

In addition to matzah, Friendship Circle distributed beautiful mezuzah cases and holiday sentiments to each family. The volunteers carried mezuzah scrolls and hung 50 mezuzahs at families’ requests. The students also assisted many with wrapping tefillin, making for a full mitzvah experience.

“People were extremely moved,” said Grossbaum. “When someone shows up, it’s a beacon of light in a chaotic world. It’s very special.”

“When people are isolated at home, it’s hard to see the light,” he continued. “As a community celebrating together, it’s so much more special. When we come together, we’re so much stronger. People were very touched that someone cared to personally deliver the matzah and connect. Families were blown away.”

On one quiet street in Livingston, the volunteers spread out, simultaneously knocking on the doors of three different homes. What happened next was proof that small gestures can make a lasting impact. Each homeowner answered the door and came outside to talk, learn and connect. Even a cyclist stopped to see what was happening and in turn, received a box of matzah and Passover well-wishes. That feeling of unity exemplifies the meaning of Passover, a holiday that reminds us of our strength as a community.

“I don’t have enough words to thank you,” said Ava. “I am really thrilled to receive the matzah and mezuzah. And the message included put a big smile on my face.”

Friendship Circle ensured that all families had the means to celebrate by providing beautiful Seder-to-go kits for any family in need. The kits included grape juice, matzah and the necessary Seder plate items, adding ease and meaning to Seder gatherings. A total of 150 kits were delivered to hospitals, senior homes and individuals.

“For varying reasons, there are many people who can’t manage preparing for the Seder on their own,” said Esty Grossbaum, Program Director at Friendship Circle. “This is a tremendous help and a way for everyone to celebrate.”

In addition, Friendship Circle extended seats at the Seder table for anyone who wanted to celebrate in person. Rabbi Zalman and Toba Grossbaum hosted dozens for traditional and inspiring Seders on the first two nights of Pesach.

This Passover, the community was reminded of its collective strength as all who celebrated took a moment to pause and connect with family, friends and neighbors. Just as spring kicks off a bright and warm season after the chill of winter, Passover is a reminder of all the new beginnings that are possible when a community unites in strength and love.