It’s the first night of Rosh Hashana, but Julie is alone in her living room. She’d received invites to meals with friends and family but turned them down to spend a quiet evening helping her elderly mother, now resting in the next room.
On every Yom Tov, Shabbos, and weekday, men and women in cities worldwide find themselves in Julie’s position. They spend their days and nights tending to friends or loved ones, prioritizing the well-being of those in their care while pushing their needs to the side.
Chabad on Call’s new CARE initiative aims to share joy and support with caregivers and other members of our communities. With three programs throughout the year, CARE encourages all ages to get involved by recognizing caregivers this Rosh Hashana, thanking medical staff on Chanukah, and placing smiles on patients’ faces on Purim.
“Crowning Caregivers” is the first CARE program, providing shluchim with all the resources to easily get community members involved in the heartwarming initiative. With an event curriculum, introductory emails, promotions, cards, and more, this program can easily be implemented in communities of any size.
“We all know a caregiver. This program motivates adults and teens to reach out to these unique individuals in our communities with a kind word, a small gift, or a note of appreciation. That’s all it takes,” explained Mrs. Chani Goldberg, director of Chabad on Call.
Businesses can also participate in the campaign by hanging a Crowning Caregiver Banner, where customers or passerby can add their own notes of thanks and support to the wall.
“The purpose of CARE is to make sure every person in our community feels supported and appreciated,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of Merkos 302. “This Rosh Hashana, we’re recognizing the important role caregivers play and sharing some Yom Tov warmth.”
With all the ready-to-go resources, Crowning Caregivers is easy to implement and sure to leave a lasting impact. Shluchim can share CARE with their community by registering at chabadoncall.com/rhcare.
kol hakavod