Kitchen of Kindness: Sharing Free Kosher Meals in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine — Kitchen of Kindness, a volunteer-led meal program run out of Chabad of Maine, is fostering connection and community in the Portland area. Since its inception earlier this year, volunteers meet monthly to cook, package, and deliver warm kosher meals to neighbors in need.
Rabbi Levi Wilansky noted that many individuals struggle to cook due to personal challenges, lack of time, or financial constraints. Each meal typically includes traditional challah bread, soup, salad, an entrée, and cookies, all prepared according to Jewish dietary laws.
“This is an important need,” Wilansky emphasized. “The more we do it, the more we realize how necessary it is for our community.”
Jonathan Zuckerman, a recently retired volunteer, shared his joy in being active and engaging with others. He relishes the opportunity to write notes of encouragement that accompany each meal, helping to remind recipients that they are not alone.
“Kindness is a muscle,” Rabbi Wilansky remarked. “It’s crucial to exercise it regularly, not just occasionally.” He and his wife developed this program to bring joy and light into the world, and they aim to expand their efforts and welcome more volunteers in the future.
Everyone is invited to volunteer, and meals can be requested through their website. If you know champions in your community, consider recognizing volunteers like those at Kitchen of Kindness!
