11/15/17: Yad LaKashish – A Wonderful Model For The Elderly
Posted 11/15/17
Yad LaKashish – A Wonderful Model For The Elderly
On Monday morning, we visited Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Old) in Jerusalem, a senior citizen center just outside of the Old City. This organization empowers and supports nearly 300 elderly Jerusalem residents on a daily basis by providing them with creative work opportunities in artistic workshops.
Their mission is to empower needy elderly people, to renew their sense of purpose and self-worth, to enable them to feel like valued, integrated members of Israeli society, and to spread the value of respect for the elderly far and wide.
By teaching them to make beautiful handmade craft and Judaica items which are subsequently sold in their onsite gift shop as well as providing a range of support services, Yad LaKashish instills the elderly with a sense of dignity, community and self-sufficiency. They welcome visitors of all ages to meet the artisans in an attempt to create a new generation of advocates for the aged.
Yad LaKashish/Lifeline for the Old has helped thousands of elderly since it was established in 1962, by implementing the highest degree of tzedakah – helping people help themselves.
We contacted the director of community outreach, Eve Minsky-Cohen, and she set up a tour for us and also an opportunity to sing with some of the artisans. What a beautiful program they have there, enabling the elderly to have a sense of purpose and value!
Next we plan to volunteer at Meir Panim, a restaurant where they serve lunch to those in need with dignified dining.
Stay tuned,
David and Debra
