OKC Cares - Our Chesed Mission
"I will Build this World with Love/Kindness" - Olam Chesed Yibaneh, Psalms 89:3
OKC cares about you and about the world, in times of need. We foster a culture of caring, chesed (loving kindness), and compassion, that gives from the heart through dignity, compassion, and love. Together, we are creating a caring and supportive Ohr Kodesh that reaches within and beyond our walls.
The Chesed Committee invites all who are interested to partner with us!
Guided by our clergy, there are many ways to become involved in chesed activities. We offer comfort. We provide presence and a listening ear. We show up. We help our community stay connected and feel seen. Most importantly we work to fulfill the words of the Psalms, Olam Chesed Yibaneh, building a world of kindness and compassion.
Join Us!
There is something for everyone. You can help as little or as much as your interests and schedule allow:
Loaves of Love: Ohr Kodesh partners with the Jewish Council of Aging (JCA) program to have volunteers deliver challahs to isolated senior adults on a monthly basis. There are also opportunities for volunteers to develop one on one relationships with seniors.
- Time commitment: As your schedule permits on Friday afternoons. Pickup is on Friday morning with delivery before Shabbat.
- Contact Sarah Kagan
OKC Support Groups: The Ohr Kodesh Chesed committee creates opportunities for people to gather to support congregational needs. Currently, there is a support group called the “Soloists” for widows/widowers. Additionally, we are creating a team to support the bereaved in our community. Reach out learn more, to get involved, or to volunteer.
- Time commitment: The group tends to meet monthly for 1-2 hours at a time. More information about the bereavement team will be shared when available.
- Contact Nina Glasner
Donating Blood: In partnership with the Inova Blood Bank, the Chesed team hosts three blood drives annually at Ohr Kodesh. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate and facilitate these blood drives while spreading the word to our local community.
- Time commitment: One to three times per year on a Sunday morning from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Additional help may be needed to coordinate in advance of the drive.
- Contact Joan Levy or Carol Soble
Home Visits: In partnership with OKC clergy, the Chesed team and other volunteers are here to deepen our connection with the OKC community. If you are elderly, homebound, ill, or just need someone to talk to, we are here to answer the call, either for a one-time visit or for more on-going conversations.
- Time commitment: As your schedule permits. Visits typically range from 30 minutes to an hour.
- Contact Carol Soble
OK Connects through Calls and Letters: Know someone who could use a phone call or someone who loves receiving letters? Do you enjoy calling or writing to someone in need? Please let clergy or members of the Chesed team know of someone who could use a “reach-out” or if you are interested in helping keep our community connected.
- Time commitment: Flexible.
- Contact Joan Levy
Cooking for Comfort: Volunteers gather in the OKC kitchen to prepare delicious soups to deliver to congregants who are in need. Know someone who could use some soup? Grab a container from the OKC freezer, for yourself or to bring to someone in need. Please let the Chesed team know if you think we should follow up with someone directly. We are open to creative cooking ideas to share with members of our community. Looking for a Mitzvah project? Coordinate with us.
- Time commitment: Two Sundays a year, on average, for 2-3 hours.
- Contact: Debi Karesh
Friday Night E-Lights at Suburban Hospital: Know someone at Suburban Hospital who needs their day “brightened”? Let the Chesed team know. In addition to being a supportive presence, we’ll visit before Shabbat/Holidays to check in, offer prayers of healing, and leave them with electric candles to warm their Shabbat/Holidays.
- Time commitment: As your schedule permits on Friday afternoons. Candles are picked up on Sunday or Monday after shabbat.
- Contact Joan Levy
Testimonials
From K.M,
“The support of the OKC community is so appreciated. During trying times,knowing others are rooting for us is very comforting.”
From R.G.
"How sweet of you to think of me and send me the lovely note and the get well card. Such things are so helpful in boosting one’s spirits and your efforts are much appreciated.”
From T.S.
“Thanks so much for the delicious Tuscan soup. It was the perfect treat to come home to after my umpteenth appointment at Sibley, and perfect timing because queasiness from last chemo is now gone. We don't know who made the soup, but our compliments to the chef!”
Get in Touch - Reach out for Support or Make a Referral
Chesed Team Chesed@OhrKodesh.org
Rabbi Corey Helfand
RabbiHelfand@OhrKodesh.org (650-701-7720)
Cantor Hinda Eisen Labovitz
CantorLabovitz@OhrKodesh.org (240-650-6042)
