GOOD CONNECTIONS

Agency helps people stay connected to their faith

Roslyn Weiner isn’t always able to get to temple, but a nonprofit agency made sure she was able to celebrate Passover.

Weiner was among 75 individuals or families who received Passover holiday food baskets distributed through Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, an Overland Park social service agency.

The nonprofit has been giving out the baskets for more than 10 years for holidays such as Rosh Hashana, Hanukkah and Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their liberation from slavery.

Having food at Passover is important because the holiday also celebrates the Israelites’ escape from hunger, said Don Goldman, executive director of Jewish Family Services.

“It’s an opportunity to make sure that families in need are not hungry,” Goldman said.

Goldman said the Passover baskets, which were decorated by Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy students, were larger this year and included a lot more fresh produce. Donors included Liberty Fruit; the Avrum and Clara Feinstein Mazon Fund; Congregation Beth Shalom; Congregation Beth Torah; Congregation Ohev Sholom; The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; Creative Candles; and Hen House Market.

For Weiner, getting the baskets for the last five years has allowed her to remain close to her faith.

Weiner was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in April 1996, and a traumatic fall on a marble floor at work in September 1997 resulted in a complete hip replacement. She uses a powered wheelchair and relies on buses and taxis to enjoy lunch with friends, go shopping or attend temple at Kehilath Israel Synagogue.

Weiner has been able to get help from other programs, including the Jewish Senior Network. She receives financial aid for a caregiver, which allows Weiner to remain in her Overland Park apartment.

“I think the key is to be able to live independently,” said Weiner, who has use of her left arm and hand. “The unconditional support of the Jewish Senior Network has not only assisted me in dealing with my physical challenges, but has afforded me the ability to live independently.”

Weiner has been receiving a basket for the last five years on Passover from Jewish Family Services and on Purim from her synagogue.

“I enjoy having it delivered because it reminds me of the holidays,” she said. “It keeps me tied to the Jewish community.”

Good Connections tells stories of people who are giving — and getting — help. If you have a story idea, call Debra Skodack at 816-234-4738 or send e-mail to dskodack@kcstar.com.