(PHOTOS & VIDEO) The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia celebrated the opening of its Kosher Pantry with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. Located adjacent to Children’s Hospital’s main cafeteria, the Kosher Pantry is a specifically designated room where families who keep kosher can store, prepare and eat their food, relax, and pray. The pantry features an array of sefarim, books, DVDs and other practical items that a family stuck in the hospital may need and will serve as a great resource for the hundreds of
Jewish families who visit CHOP each year. In addition, Children’s Hospital now offers a new line of kosher food options from Brooklyn-based Tuv Taam, available for purchase by patients and families at various locations throughout the hospital.
This great achievement comes as a culmination of years of advocacy and countless cultural-diversity trainings done by Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW, Chai Lifeline New Jersey’s regional director in conjunction with Dr. Noel Rosales.
Dr. Steven M. Altschuler, MD, president and chief executive office of CHOP began the ceremony with opening remarks. He was followed by Dr. Noel Rosales, director of the Cultural Awareness Initiative at CHOP. Rabbi Sruli Fried then spoke, thanking the CHOP staff for their dedication and culturally-sensitive care towards Jewish families over the years. Lastly, a Chai Lifeline parent and member of CHOP’s family advisory council shared her moving story.
In its quest to make hospital stays as comfortable and convenient as possible for families, Chai Lifeline provides many hospital-based services including a daily shuttle to and from CHOP, respite in the hospital and the availability of the Chai House. The opening of the pantry is a remarkable breakthrough for not only Chai Lifeline but also for the many families being treated at CHOP.
Kudos to S. Fried and all involved for making this happen!
Chai lifeline does wonderful work. One small point—the article uses the word “celebrates”. While obviously this a big service to patients and their families, I’m sure Chai lifeline would truly celebrate if the
the kosher pantry was not even necessary.
Yasher koach to sruly fried who has cultivated a very good relationship with CHOP for so many years. Sruly is a blessing to our community.
Keep up the gr8 work chai lifeline!!
Sruly, Keep the Rebbie proud of U
Sruly’s hardworking diplomacy knows no bounds. this is but one result of his amazing efforts to do everything he can to make a fellow jew’s life easier