Partnering to Help Communities in Need

On Monday, I joined Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), Park Heights Renaissance and members of Baltimore's Jewish community to begin the Passover holiday with a traditional chometz burning and by collecting nonperishable items for a local food pantry.

Chometz is the Hebrew word for leavened foods that are forbidden during the Jewish holiday of Passover, which this year begins after sundown today and continues through April 2. On the night before Passover, Jewish families collect all the chometz in their houses and burn it the following morning in a formal ceremony.

I saw this tradition as an opportunity to help needy Baltimoreans while observing the important Jewish ritual.

The event was a wonderful way to pay respect to the Jewish traditions surrounding Passover and also to help the local communities in need. Families came to burn some of their food products and donate some to those who are less fortunate. It was about two communities coming together to help one another and forging lasting relationships.

CHAI Executive Director Mitchell Posner also praised the partnership and aim of Monday's event.

“At the opening of the Passover Seder we declare, ‘Whoever is hungry - let him come and eat!’” Posner said. “What better way for the Jewish community of Baltimore to approach the holiday than by sharing of our bountiful food resources with our neighbors in need? CHAI is proud to play a role in facilitating this collaborative 'mitzvah' project."

The donated food was given to the newly created Towanda Community Center's food pantry. The pantry was formed through a partnership between the Office of the City Council President, Park Heights Renaissance and CHAI.

Julius Colón, President and CEO of Park Heights Renaissance, said, “It’s great that two cultures can come together for a common cause to help those in need. This food drive will fulfill the needs for members of the Park Heights community who are in search of support during these difficult economic times.”