Social Action

Mesh Cafe June 14, 2016

by Linda Ariel

MESH1 2016 june 15

From Captain Linda Ariel:

We had a diverse group of guests at MESH Cafe on Tuesday, May 14th. Our cook, Sarita Eisenberg, noted that in addition to some familiar faces, there were many new people whom we welcomed this week as well. Our twenty-four guests responded enthusiastically when the menu was introduced, which was both delicious and filling. In addition to Sarita in the kitchen, Sarah Steindel prepped and cooked during the morning. This coordination between Sarita and Sarah allowed this wonderful meal to be ready when the guests entered Shomrei at 6:30 p.m.

MESH4 2016 june 15We started with a green salad with challah, tapinade, and butter on the side. The main course was salmon seasoned with a delicious rub served cold, roasted broccoli and carrots, and quiche. The vegetarians were able to enjoy blueberry blintzes and kugel in lieu of the salmon. We offered many flavors in terms of the dessert plate: French toast topped with berry sauce, and ice cream, fresh fruit salad, and squares of cheesecake in honor of Shavuot, which we had just celebrated. Our guests enjoyed the repast, and we were able to also prepare covered plates of food to give to five people whom we were unable to seat in our cafe.

MESH2 2016 june 15Our guests clearly had warm rapport with our servers, which included the the teens Amalia, Siona, and Isaac,and our adult volunteers, Erin Berman, Lou Hammerman, Moish Hammerman, Matt Rosen, and Charissa Wijaya. The MESH interns Andisha and Elijah rounded out the staff who were responsive to the needs of our guests. Adrienne and Devlin, MESH staff, rounded out the support for the evening. Everyone left that evening, our guests feeling sated, and our volunteers feeling satisfied having been part of the group effort.

Note from Sarita:  Much of the food was repurposed from the previous weekend’s Shabbat and Yom Tov Kiddushim, so Lou and I made a quick trip to Costco for just the fish and veggies.

MESH3 2016 june 15MESH5 2016 june 15

A note from Lynne & Aileen:

  1. This delicious, nutritious and filling meal for 24+ people had a very low food cost of $104.00 due to the creative use of leftover foods from weekend events at Shomrei.

  2. We are still in need of a cook and or/volunteer to heat up and plate a catered meal, if necessary, for next week, Tuesday, June 21st. Please let us know ASAP if you can do it!
    Thank you.

Have questions:

Contact:
Email Lynne Kurzweil or call (973)746-0816
Email Aileen Grossberg or call (973) 744-3836

  • Linda Ariel

    Linda has been a member of Shomrei for over three decades. Over the years, she has been Hebrew School Co-Chair, Program Chair, and Social Action Chair and co-chaired the first Shomrei retreat at the Nevele. Linda also led Tot Shabbat and Tot Rosh HaShana for many years. Linda has lived in Israel where she graduated from Hebrew University and then upon returning to the States received her master's degree in social work. Probably the most special and precious bit of information that she has to share is that her three sons are independent caring people with values that she respects.

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