11/16/17: Meir Panim – Dignified Dining in the Heart of Jerusalem
Posted 11/16/17
Meir Panim – Dignified Dining in the Heart of Jerusalem
On Tuesday, November 14, Debra and I volunteered at Meir Panim, serving lunch at one of the organizations free restaurants in the heart of Jerusalem near the central bus station.
The foundation of Meir Panim’s food services is its network of free restaurants in cities throughout Israel. The restaurants are a dignified alternative to soup kitchens, providing quality food in a comfortable dining setting to those in need. Designed to have the look and feel of a restaurant, the setting maintains Meir Panim’s firm commitment to preserve the dignity of its patrons.
Daily menus are designed by a nutritionist to include all of the main food categories and vitamins that are vital for proper nutrition, which needy individuals can ill-afford. Diners also have the option of taking home packaged food to eat in the privacy of their own homes.
The Jerusalem branch is amicably run by Aryeh, the branch manager, along with a host of volunteers from very different backgrounds. In the Jerusalem branch there are prisoners undergoing rehabilitation alongside civil service volunteers and elderly participants, all standing side by side in the early hours of the morning, peeling potatoes and cleaning lettuce leaves for the day’s lunch.
At 11:30 a.m., the flow of diners begins. Visitors include single moms, elderly men and women, and various people who cannot make ends meet. Aryeh and the volunteers greet them all with smiles and affection. They make sure to ask each diner whether he or she would like seconds or additional takeout portions – all with a warm smile and sincere generosity.
Debra and I volunteered alongside Ellen, one of the veteran volunteers who “showed us the ropes.” We served a tasty lunch to the guests, and I sang songs with the diners. A good time was had by all!
Next up…I will be teaching a class, Prayer Aerobics, to members of a congregation in Rechovot.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,
David and Debra
