Share the Celebration of Purim With an Isolated, Lonely Elder

JFS of Metrowest invites you and your family to visit an isolated elder this Purim and share the joy of the holiday through the Kesher-Y.O.U. (Connecting Young and Old United) program, funded by CJP’s Metrowest Jewish Community Fund.

Acts of Kindness

The Kesher-Y.O.U. program helps young children learn the importance of tzedakah, the act of charitable giving, gemilut hasadim, acts of kindness, tikkun olam, the imperative to make the world a better place, and mitzvah, the Jewish commandment to do good.

Making Connections

JFS works with many Jewish seniors in our community. Some of these seniors are alone. Their families may live far away. They welcome the opportunity to connect with you and your family when you visit them to share Purim and bring a special gift to them.

Each session will consist of:

• A 45-minute holiday-themed orientation that includes a child-friendly activity while parents will be given information about the elder, structuring the visit and will receive a special book to share with your child, “My First Friendly Visiting Book.” Families will also prepare a gift bag for the elder.
• A transition time while you drive to your assigned elder’s home to talk about the visit with your child, and share with them the importance of gemilut hasadim (special acts of kindness).
• Families will give the gift bag you prepared and share the traditions of the holiday. Visits are expected to last about half an hour.
• This program incorporates Jewish values, spending quality time together as a family and making a difference in a lonely elder’s life.

Questions? Contact Abrielle Salloway, LCSW, Friendly Visitor Program Coordinator, at 508-875-3100 ext. 360, or Patricia Murphy at 508-875-3100 ext. 350.