BACH Partners with Long Beach Police to Bring Holiday Cheer to Elderly Celebrating Purim

 

In celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim, the BACH Jewish Center partnered with the Long Beach Police Department to bring joy and deliver holiday care packages to the elderly residents of the Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Rabbi Benny Berlin of the BACH Jewish Center, joined by Long Beach Police Lt. Brett Curtis and Officer Matt Scheer, visited with residents, distributing Mishloach Manot – care packages filled with holiday treats – and handwritten notes and pictures from the children of the BACH.

The routine of dropping off Purim treats has now become an annual tradition for the BACH, as this year marks the third in a row that the BACH has included the facility’s residents in their Purim celebrations, among other programs to help residents celebrate Jewish traditions and holidays throughout the year. This year’s Purim initiative, however, not only marked the first in-person Purim celebration they have shared post-pandemic but also included a partnership with the Long Beach Police Department.

“We’re extremely thankful to Rabbi Berlin and the BACH Jewish Center for inviting us to join them to create a memorable holiday celebration for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Commissioner Ronald Walsh of the Long Beach Police Department. “Through initiatives like these, we are able to show Grandell residents that the police department and faith-based communities care about them and welcome them to our community.”

“The Jewish holiday of Purim is a time to spread happiness and holiday cheer, not just through giving gifts, but also through directly engaging with members of our community,” said Rabbi Berlin. “It was wonderful to stop by and have a chat with our friends and exchange some laughter and smiles, and I am so grateful to Commissioner Walsh, Lt. Curtis, Officer Scheer, and the entire Long Beach Police Department for joining us in this important holiday celebration.”

The collaboration comes on the heels of a separate joint initiative by the two organizations to drop off holiday toys to hospital-bound children in late December, a testament to the burgeoning relationship between the institutions.

Founded in 1946, Bachurei Chemed – BACH Jewish Center is one of Long Island’s most prestigious and oldest synagogues. Members hail from Long Beach, Lido, Atlantic Beach, and Island Park. For more information, please visit https://www.bachlongbeach.com/.

New York Jewish Guide