Spring time is that magical time of year when we all pay closer attention to the transformation of landscape and await each new flower with a child’s enthusiasm.
For Sudbury resident Esther Heimberg, spring is also a time to reflect on the life of her good friend, Deane Stone and honor her memory through a Passover tradition started by Heimberg here at JFS three years ago after she became involved with B’nai B’rith Project Hope. The tradition, to provide Passover essentials to everyone in need in Metrowest, was born out of the central tenet of the holiday: “All who are hungry come and eat; all who are in need, come and share the hope of Pesach.”
Passover is an opportunity to reflect and remember how far the Jewish people have come since their days of slavery in Egypt. Thus, it seemed contradictory that some could not celebrate because they lacked the funds to purchase and prepare the customary foods of the holiday (matza, oil, horseradish, grape juice or wine, macaroons, gefilte fish, matza meal, eggs and apples, among others.)
Each spring, funds are raised for clients of JFS of Metrowest especially to purchase and distribute Passover baskets containing these items. The need has only grown in the years since Esther began her Passover mission. Eighty households received a basket in 2009, totaling $2000. 2010 saw similar numbers and the same this year as well.
This year Esther has started something new—a partnership with Marquise Antique and Consignment store on Commonwealth Ave in West Concord.
Esther and Marquise partner and creative manager, Michael Welch, keep track of items donated on behalf of JFS (those items include furniture, household goods, decorative items, etc.) and 80% of the price of the item is donated to JFS upon sale.
“We are committed to being community based, to that effect we are partnered with local charities,” said Welch. “Esther is a very darling person and we have been so lucky to play a part in her ongoing fundraising efforts.”
The ongoing partnership, Esther hopes, will ensure that enough funds can be raised throughout the year to supply as many baskets as needed to the community.
If you have items that you’re interested in donating, you may do so either through Esther or by bringing them to directly to Marquis and mentioning JFS. Once logged in, Esther will contact JFS and JFS will send an official letter acknowledging your tax-deductible contribution.
The U.S. Internal revenue Service requires donors to value their items when filing their tax returns. It is suggested that you keep a digital picture of the donated items should they be of significant value; should this be a problem a photo can be taken and e-mailed to you for your records.
Anyone interested in making a monetary donation for the Passover baskets, can mail it to Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, 475 Franklin St., Framingham 01701, Attention: Myrna Winter. If you have an item you’re interested in donating, contact JFS at mwinter@jfsmw.org or 508-875-3100 to get in touch with Esther.
Marquise, located at 135 Commonwealth Ave., Concord, is open Monday-Friday from 10AM-7PM and Sundays from noon to 7PM.
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