‘Pushke Project’ fosters generational giving

When I think about the word legacy, so many things come to mind. Most important to me are the lessons I have taught my children and grandchildren, and the fulfillment I have found in giving back to the community. Legacy for me truly is l’dor v’dor, passing on my lessons for generations to come.

Over 20 years ago, I was inspired to become a volunteer for Jewish Eldercare of Rhode Island (JERI), whose mission and core value is to provide visits and spiritual programs to the Jewish residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

My time spent as a volunteer for JERI has been filled with meaning. I visited with Jewish seniors across the state, bringing gifts from the JERI program for the holidays and forging meaningful relationships. I helped usher in residents for community High Holy Day services and delighted in creating initiatives like the “Meister Menorah Project” and “Latke Day” for Hanukkah. I share this with you to show my passion for this program and my desire to have it continue for many years to come.

Over the years my family and I also collected change and placed it in a homemade pushke (tzedakah box). The change would add up quickly, and we would donate it to our favorite charity. I realized that if everyone donated their change from their pushke to the JERI Program at JCS, it would be another opportunity to teach the importance of “giving back” and to ensure that the JERI program is supported.

As Purim approaches in March, many people make donations in lieu of sending mishloach manot, gifts of food to family and friends.  This year, in support of this, JERI will provide free “pushke kits” to encourage all those in the community to create their own pushke. The “Pushke Project” is also a wonderful opportunity for Hebrew and religious school students and families of all ages to work together and make an impact.

Whether you use a tzedakah box you already have at home or order a “pushke kit” and make one on your own, please consider following my lead by donating your change from your pushke/tzedakah box to the “Pushke Project.”

To order your kit, containing one pushke box, contact JERI coordinator, Susie Adler by Feb. 16. If you would like to donate your change back to JCS’ JERI program, you can also contact Susie for drop-off locations. Susie can be contacted at 401-486-3890 or by email at susie@jfsri.org.

My hope is that, by working together, the change collected through will positively impact the Jewish seniors we love and care for, well into the next generation.

HERB MEISTER is the creator of The Pushke Project.