Shluchim Recover from Covid with “To Go Celebration”

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Mendel and Chani Fogelman, Directors of Chabad of Central Massachusetts in Worcester, celebrated their recovery from a serious battle with COVID 19 with a community-wide seudas hodaah – meal of thanks to G-d.

There was one difference: The four-course, festive meal was “to go.”

Due to restrictions on gathering during the pandemic, the Chabad center in Worcester delivered 400 Seder packages to go to residents of Central Mass., accompanied by a festive dinner to each person, free of charge.

They were packed and prepared with the help of Rabbi Levik Fogelman and a team of volunteers.

Aside from Shmurah Matzah, Seder plate items, and wine for the 4 cups, the packages included a tray of chicken, potato kugel, gefilte fish, salads, chicken soup, and dessert.

“We are very happy to report that by the grace of G-d, we have recovered from COVID-19, and after consulting with our medical advisory team, we have resumed all Chabad activities,” Rabbi and Mrs. Fogelman said.

“The sages tell us that we are to utilize each moment and find the lessons embedded within it. There is a wonderful Jewish custom that after one is in danger and has a positive outcome they prepare a Seudas Hodoa, a feast of thanksgiving to G-d. This is why we have decided to prepare a 4-course dinner to accompany the 400 Seder-To-Go packages we are delivering across Central Massachusetts.”

The Seder packages were a big hit, Rabbi Fogelman told COLlive, with dozens of people calling to ask for one as well.

“In fact, the packages were so well received, that two families – the Honig family and the Cutler family – came forward to sponsor the entire project,” he said.