Jewish Family Service (JFS), a 133-year-old nonprofit social service organization in Seattle, has launched a new program for the community, within its Community Connections Volunteer Services Program. Mitzvah Meals for Medical Visitors (Mitzvah Meals) supports Jewish families temporarily living in Seattle while a family member, adult or child, is receiving medical care. Families from all over the United States and Israel, many having never been to Seattle before, are supported with free home-cooked (and delivered!) meals.
The Mitzvah Meals program was started 25 years ago by Margot Kravette, a former JFS Board member, after a family member went to Houston for surgery not available in Seattle. Margot tried reaching out to the Jewish community there hoping for a Shabbat meal or two. She even asked her Seattle rabbi to help her make connections, but that effort would produce no offers.
When someone is dealing with a serious medical issue in a strange city, it can be extremely stressful for the person who is ill, as well as for their family. Family members often spend most of their days either at the hospital or helping with medications and treatments if their relative is not in the hospital. And unless they are staying in a house or apartment, they will have minimal cooking facilities, usually limited to a microwave.
When a Jewish person and their family come to Seattle for extended medical care, most often a family member reaches out to a Jewish organization, a synagogue, a friend or relative in the Seattle area to learn more about the Jewish community including information about housing, food and other offerings. Mitzvah Meals for Medical Visitors relies on community members to reach out when they become aware of a family coming to or already in Seattle for medical care so that we can make it just a little easier and friendlier for these families by providing home-cooked, kosher style food (and can accommodate dietary restrictions also).
Maybe you don’t know anyone who needs support, but you’re interested in volunteering. We would love to hear from you! Mitzvah Meals volunteers provide 2-3 meals a week to families, in addition to comfort and connection during this challenging time. Volunteers sign up online for the dates they wish to bring meals.
If you know of a Jewish family who will be or are already temporarily living in Seattle while a family member receives medical care, please tell them about Mitzvah Meals for Medical Visitors:
You can learn more on our website, email mitvahmeals@Jfsseattle.org or call us at (206) 461-3241 with a contact person and contact information. We do not provide meals to families without speaking to them in advance.
If you are interested in volunteering for Mitzvah Meals, contact us at mitzvahmeals@Jfsseattle.org or by phone at (206) 461-3241.