happenings at achiezer
A Haven in the Hospital
March 10, 2025
"We thought we didn't have an appetite. Then we saw the food."
"Even in our nervous state of mind, this room felt calm and inviting."
"We hope no one ever needs this. But if they do, it's a must."
For those who have experienced a hospital stay- whether for themselves or a loved one- one reality becomes abundantly clear: The hospital is a foreign, often isolating place. In that universe of doctors, lab results, and surgeries, every ounce of energy is devoted to the patient's well-being- and even basic needs like meals and a place to daven can become overwhelming concerns.
Enter the Achiezer Respite Rooms.
In truth, these rooms are not merely a division of Achiezer. They are a full-fledged organization in their own right- an ever-expanding operation that ensures Jewish patients and their families have access to kosher food, Shabbos essentials, and a space of comfort within the stark hospital environment. What began as a small initiative has flourished into a network of fully stocked rooms in local hospitals, serving as a vital lifeline for hundreds.
Anyone who has benefited from the Achiezer Respite Rooms understands their value. The letters pour in- endless words of gratitude from people who found themselves in unexpected situations. For many, the simple presence of a stocked room, a hot meal, a machzor, or even a comfortable chair to recite Tehillim in the middle of the night is nothing short of encouraging.
Just last week, a woman found herself by her husband's side in South Nassau Communities Hospital, grappling with uncertainty. Overwhelmed, exhausted, and unprepared for an extended stay, she discovered the Respite Room- fully stocked with nourishing meals, phone chargers, and a serene space to gather her thoughts. "It was a lifesaver," she later wrote. "I don't know what I would have done without it."
"I recently entered our room in South Nassau at 3 a.m." an Achiezer Staff Member shares. "I was surprised to find a Jewish man quietly davening in the corner, no doubt hoping for his personal Yeshuah. This is the reality of the Respite Rooms."
What many don't realize is the enormous scale of this operation. The cost of maintaining these Respite Rooms reaches an astounding $20,000-$25,000 each month. From robust weekday meals to complete Shabbos and Yom Tov spreads, the Achiezer team works tirelessly to ensure that every Jewish patient and visitor has what they need. Generous partners like Gourmet Glatt have helped sponsor many of the items, but as the program has grown, so have the expenses.
Remember- if your grocery bill has gone up significantly, a major-scale weekly bill like this has increased all the more exponentially. "It's the hidden gem of Achiezer," says Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, president. "It's there for everyone- and we need everyone's help to keep it going." And this is exactly the kind of initiative that people love to support- because every dollar donated goes directly toward stocking these essential spaces. It's a tangible, meaningful way to help fellow community members in their most trying moments.
Right now, funding comes in sporadically, often from individuals who have personally used the rooms and want to pay it forward. But to maintain and expand this operation, the entire community's support is essential. Daily, weekly, and monthly sponsorships will ensure that no Respite Room ever goes unstocked.
Imagine this: Every time you see an ambulance rushing to a hospital, there's a chance that family will soon discover the Achiezer Respite Room. The relief they'll experience, the gratitude they'll feel- it's all because of your support today. If you've ever spent time in a hospital, you know how crucial this is. And if you haven't, consider yourself fortunate- and please ensure that this lifeline is always available for those who need it. The community's generosity fuels this initiative, but the need is ever-growing. Whether through one-time sponsorships or ongoing donations, every contribution ensures that no Jewish patient or family member is left searching for kosher food or a quiet oasis in their time of need.
Achiezer will continue doing what it does best- strategizing, executing, delivering for the community. They just need the financial fuel to keep this mammoth operation going.
"Thank you for the Sukkah that allowed us to eat a full meal according to Halacha."
"I was in Mount Sinai for 3 consecutive Shabbosos- and my whole family had delicious, fresh food."
"The food and space at Winthrop provided so much more than physical nourishment!"
When the unexpected happens, the Achiezer Respite Rooms are there- ready to provide, ready to comfort, and ready to uphold the dignity and needs of every Jewish patient and visitor.
To sponsor a day, week, or month at a specific Respite Room in honor of yourself or a loved one, please reach out to Daniel Goldfeder at 516-791-4444 ext. 110 or parneshayom@achiezer.org
"Even in our nervous state of mind, this room felt calm and inviting."
"We hope no one ever needs this. But if they do, it's a must."
For those who have experienced a hospital stay- whether for themselves or a loved one- one reality becomes abundantly clear: The hospital is a foreign, often isolating place. In that universe of doctors, lab results, and surgeries, every ounce of energy is devoted to the patient's well-being- and even basic needs like meals and a place to daven can become overwhelming concerns.
Enter the Achiezer Respite Rooms.
In truth, these rooms are not merely a division of Achiezer. They are a full-fledged organization in their own right- an ever-expanding operation that ensures Jewish patients and their families have access to kosher food, Shabbos essentials, and a space of comfort within the stark hospital environment. What began as a small initiative has flourished into a network of fully stocked rooms in local hospitals, serving as a vital lifeline for hundreds.
Anyone who has benefited from the Achiezer Respite Rooms understands their value. The letters pour in- endless words of gratitude from people who found themselves in unexpected situations. For many, the simple presence of a stocked room, a hot meal, a machzor, or even a comfortable chair to recite Tehillim in the middle of the night is nothing short of encouraging.
Just last week, a woman found herself by her husband's side in South Nassau Communities Hospital, grappling with uncertainty. Overwhelmed, exhausted, and unprepared for an extended stay, she discovered the Respite Room- fully stocked with nourishing meals, phone chargers, and a serene space to gather her thoughts. "It was a lifesaver," she later wrote. "I don't know what I would have done without it."
"I recently entered our room in South Nassau at 3 a.m." an Achiezer Staff Member shares. "I was surprised to find a Jewish man quietly davening in the corner, no doubt hoping for his personal Yeshuah. This is the reality of the Respite Rooms."
What many don't realize is the enormous scale of this operation. The cost of maintaining these Respite Rooms reaches an astounding $20,000-$25,000 each month. From robust weekday meals to complete Shabbos and Yom Tov spreads, the Achiezer team works tirelessly to ensure that every Jewish patient and visitor has what they need. Generous partners like Gourmet Glatt have helped sponsor many of the items, but as the program has grown, so have the expenses.
Remember- if your grocery bill has gone up significantly, a major-scale weekly bill like this has increased all the more exponentially. "It's the hidden gem of Achiezer," says Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, president. "It's there for everyone- and we need everyone's help to keep it going." And this is exactly the kind of initiative that people love to support- because every dollar donated goes directly toward stocking these essential spaces. It's a tangible, meaningful way to help fellow community members in their most trying moments.
Right now, funding comes in sporadically, often from individuals who have personally used the rooms and want to pay it forward. But to maintain and expand this operation, the entire community's support is essential. Daily, weekly, and monthly sponsorships will ensure that no Respite Room ever goes unstocked.
Imagine this: Every time you see an ambulance rushing to a hospital, there's a chance that family will soon discover the Achiezer Respite Room. The relief they'll experience, the gratitude they'll feel- it's all because of your support today. If you've ever spent time in a hospital, you know how crucial this is. And if you haven't, consider yourself fortunate- and please ensure that this lifeline is always available for those who need it. The community's generosity fuels this initiative, but the need is ever-growing. Whether through one-time sponsorships or ongoing donations, every contribution ensures that no Jewish patient or family member is left searching for kosher food or a quiet oasis in their time of need.
Achiezer will continue doing what it does best- strategizing, executing, delivering for the community. They just need the financial fuel to keep this mammoth operation going.
"Thank you for the Sukkah that allowed us to eat a full meal according to Halacha."
"I was in Mount Sinai for 3 consecutive Shabbosos- and my whole family had delicious, fresh food."
"The food and space at Winthrop provided so much more than physical nourishment!"
When the unexpected happens, the Achiezer Respite Rooms are there- ready to provide, ready to comfort, and ready to uphold the dignity and needs of every Jewish patient and visitor.
To sponsor a day, week, or month at a specific Respite Room in honor of yourself or a loved one, please reach out to Daniel Goldfeder at 516-791-4444 ext. 110 or parneshayom@achiezer.org
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