(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.