Usually when Purim comes around, Chabad Seniors Programme arranges parties and gifts for the “young at heart” throughout Johannesburg. This year, with COVID-19, was no different. Instead of bussing seniors from various facilities to Chabad House, we brought the party to them.
Since the beginning of lockdown, volunteers have reached out to seniors each week, calling them, assisting with errands, and delivering weekly food parcels organised by Rabbi Ari Kievman. The team was ready to work a little harder on Purim, and 1 000 shalach manos gift packages were hand delivered last Friday to seniors in their own homes as well as at many facilities.
Additionally, the rabbi and some volunteers hosted safe outdoor Purim parties for the elderly, with social distancing and double masks for safety and masquerading. The events included music, inspiration, Megillah reading, and individually wrapped food to-go. By the time Shabbos arrived, the rabbi had lained the megillah 17 times already.
Human interaction is vital for quality of life of the aged, and these types of events remind the elderly that they aren’t forgotten. It’s particularly at times like these that we need the closeness and support that community offers.
