Lottie Chalom A”H and her kitchen were good friends. She could always be found busy there, creating her latest dish. Throughout her lifetime, Lottie used her kitchen as her tool for hesed, giving to others. An acquaintance, friend, or family member would often find comfort and some humor served alongside one of her home baked pastries, usually fresh from the oven. A new bride called up Lottie for advice as she was having guests for the first time. Not only did Lottie share her ideas, she also made sure to drop off some of her own treats to help the young woman’s uneasiness with her first-time entertaining.
Lottie’s four daughters absorbed her message. When their dear mother passed away, Susan Menashe, Nina Cohen, Linda Dayan and Claudia Bildirici established Lottie’s Kitchen in Jerusalem, under the auspices of Ezer Mizion. Thousands upon thousands of people in Israel benefit from Lottie’s Kitchen, amongst them—the ill, the disabled, the elderly and of course, their families.
When a mother is diagnosed with cancer and her family is finding it very difficult to cope, meals are haphazard at best. The children need motherly support during such a challenging period. That’s when Lottie’s Kitchen enters the picture. A compassionate volunteer comes regularly, bearing nutritious meals and kind words of encouragement.
Rosalyn Brown, a Belle Harbor resident, traveled to Israel with her parents. During their visit, the unexpected happened—her father suffered a stroke. If she had been at home, perhaps it would have been easier, but she wasn’t and she had so many questions: Which hospital? Who to consult before choosing a doctor? How was Rosalyn going to handle the details involved in this medical emergency? First she panicked, then Ezer Mizion entered the picture. With Rosalyn’s broken Hebrew, the Ezer Mizion staff helped her in every aspect. Volunteers provided a comforting shoulder to lean on and Lottie’s Kitchen brought regular meals for the family as they kept vigil at her father’s bedside.
Each week, Lottie’s Kitchen volunteers prepare 1,500 meals and 1,700 sandwiches to distribute to families like Rosalyn’s who, day after day, stand by the bed of a loved one, unwilling to leave to grab a bite—that sustenance which they need in order to continue caring for their loved one.
Recently, Lottie’s Kitchen held an event at the home of Sara and Albert Nigri, which showed off the community’s love for hesed, and their interest in becoming more creative in the food department. Hundreds of ladies participated in this lovely afternoon. They gathered to observe the many food demonstrations, some given by a friend or neighbor proficient in culinary skills. Other demonstrations were given by professionals. They were proud to feature Joy Pierson and Chef Jorge Pineda of Candle 79 and Chef Hung Huynh of Solo, Bravo TV’s Top Chef awardee. It’s so exciting and inspiring to bring a new idea into our meals.
Throughout the day, guests gathered around the elegant Chinese Auction, trying to decide where their tickets should go—knowing that their involvement and contribution was making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
A unique Kitchen Boutique was another feature that continues to make Lottie’s Kitchen legendary. Participants discovered the latest kitchen gadgets, and also had the chance to purchase that hard-to-find item. Some of the tools used by the demonstrators were also available for sale.
Susan Menashe, the well-known photographer, spent part of the day photographing mothers and children. During all the excitement, there was a short break when the ladies welcomed renowned speaker, Mrs. Bonnie Mansour. Each year, she manages to engage the ladies in a topic that reaches and teaches each one of them. Many of Mrs. Mansour’s “regulars” took advantage of this day, since her summer teaching is very limited.
Amid the biscotti, breads and biscuits, an ambience of hesed pervaded, just like it once did during a visit to Lottie A”H.
