Chesed Committee

Our sages of Blessed Memory taught that “All Jews are responsible for one another,” and this is the mission of the Chesed Committee: to take responsibility for any member of our community in need. Whether in happy times, as with the birth of a child, or in the most difficult times of sickness and mourning, Chesed volunteers are there to support our community and share the love.

You, too, can make a difference in peoples’ lives with your participation on the Chesed Committee. We are currently looking for volunteers to join the committee and reach our the the Anshe Emet community in three major areas:

1. Cooking and delivering meals to families with newborns
2. Shiva Committee: Making Shiva calls and setting up homes for Shiva. Click here for the Plan for the Shiva Committee.
3. Visiting sick children at Lurie Children's Hospital and the Jewish elderly and The Self Help Home on a monthly basis.

If you are interested in cooking meals for families with new babies, please contact Stacey Rubin Silver. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Chesed Committee, please contact Rabbi Abe Friedman.

Lurie Children's Hospital Project

We are currently expanding the Chesed Committee’s role with Lurie Children's Hospital.

Approximately two years ago Anshe Emet Chesed Committee was approached by Chai Lifeline to have two volunteers come to Children's Memorial and provide a craft activity for the children who are receiving treatment. Our members, Joyce Leviton Asher and Loretta Kaminsky have provided the leadership to organize other synagogue members to plan a monthly craft activity and engage the children. The young patients’ time away from sickness and treatment is very rewarding for the volunteer.

Anshe Emet is now providing four volunteers each month and we have been asked to continue at the new Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. We are looking for Anshe Emet members to join us on the third Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

An ongoing commitment is not required, and training will be provided. Please contact Joyce Leviton Asher if you are interested in this Chesed Committee project.

New Project at Friedman Place!

The Chesed committee is undertaking a new project this year at the Friedman Place located at 5527 N. Maplewood in Chicago.  This is an assisted lifestyle community for the blind and visually impaired adults and is currently at full occupancy with 83 residents.  The residents range from age 20-90 with the mean being 60 years of age.  The facility is managed by an amazing group of women. They have many wonderful volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved.  Please feel free to read more about Friedman Place at www.friedmanplace.org. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Beth Elman, beth@friedmanplace.org directly or to learn more, contact AES member, Paulette Freed.