Judy’s Kindness Kitchen, a program of Congregation Beth Sholom, is a Sunday Soup Kitchen that was established in November 2004. Every Sunday we prepare 600 sandwiches, plus snacks, at the Jewish Community Center at 401 Elmgrove Avenue in Providence, which are delivered to Crossroads Rhode Island, Emanuel House, and The Rescue Mission. (In 2004 we were delivering just to Crossroads RI, in 2013 we added Emanuel House, and in 2020 we added The Rescue Mission. As we added sites we increased our sandwich production from about 150 sandwiches in 2004 to the 600 sandwiches we now prepare). We are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization and we’d love to have you join us.
Mission Statement
According to Jewish tradition, “Ohel Avraham” (the tent of the patriarch Abraham) had four entrances, each facing one of the four directions, so that those in need would behold the promise of relief from every side. Judy's Kindness Kitchen seeks to emulate the example of Abraham by providing meals to our neighbors in need.
Our goal is to run a soup kitchen that:
- Provides nourishing meals in a locale that is convenient to those in need.
- Strengthens our Providence community by encouraging members of different groups to work together.
- Secures funding and a broad volunteer commitment to assure sustainability over the long-term.
Where:
Jewish Community Center
401 Elmgrove Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island. (Directions)
Meals are prepared in the institutional kitchen and delivered to 3 homeless shelters in downtown Providence.
When:
Sunday Morning, food preparation from 8:00 – 9:30 am.
Why:
The homeless shelters in Providence were not able to provide meals on Sundays. Judy's Kindness Kitchen prepares and delivers food to Crossroads RI, Emanuel House and The Rescue Mission every Sunday.
Judy's Kindness Kitchen is a perfect way to honor Judy's memory.
On top of all her accomplishments, everyone who knew Judy comments on how beautiful she was. She was the most gracious host. She understood that sharing meals with loved ones provides not just physical but emotional sustenance as well. Her marble cake, chulunt and vegetable soup were legendary and our Passover Seder was a glorious event. Judy's home was a perfect reflection of her: beautiful and, at the same time, warm and welcoming. She was the best mom a kid could have and she is still missed every day.