Holiday Programs throughout the High Holidays and the Sukkot Festival

Bringing the holiday joy to thousands in need, in Israel and Russia

• October 22, 2025
• - 30 Tishrei 5786

The Jewish month of Tishrei, marked by the High Holy Days and the joyous celebrations of the Sukkot festival is a time when communities and families come together for prayer, festive meals, and get-togethers. But for many households, this special time also brings financial strain. Having to mark the special days with barely the basics instead of a proper holiday meal can strip the day of its festive spirit. For too many families and seniors, the holidays mean tightening budgets and making do with less.

Committed to ensuring that no one goes without, Chamah worked to help those in need celebrate the holidays with dignity and peace of mind.

Many thousands of meals and holiday food packages filled with traditional foods and other essential items were delivered, helping impoverished families and the elderly to experience the holidays as they were meant to be: a time of connection, joy, and spiritual renewal.

Additionally, food vouchers were distributed to enable families to purchase additional items as needed. For the elderly, Chamah organized warm holiday programs throughout the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Sukkot for them to celebrate together with others, and where they can learn about the traditions and customs of the season. The events included festive meals with traditional holiday foods, lively trivia contests, toasts for the new Jewish year, the blowing of the shofar, shaking of the Lulov and Etrog, live music and dancing, and gifts for the participants.

For many of these seniors, the Chamah Centers have become a second home.

Alongside social gatherings like this, they benefit from ongoing programs that provide companionship, a sense of community, and practical help. Extra food and supplies are distributed to supplement what they may be missing, easing the burden for those who struggle with poverty and loneliness.

Just prior to the Jewish New Year, the Chamah Soup Kitchen in Russia was renovated, providing an upgraded dining environment where many seniors receive nutritious meals and participate in social programs. With the new renovations, our facility now offers enhanced accessibility and comfort, giving our beneficiaries the welcoming environment they deserve when they visit us for lunch, fellowship and support.

These events are a reminder for them that they are not forgotten, and that the holiday season can be enjoyed with dignity, connection, and hope.

For the homebound elderly, volunteers also play a vital role by visiting them at their home and engaging in friendly conversations over a cup of tea, and bringing them reading books and other items to brighten their day.

Holiday prayers and programs for families, the elderly and for children were also arranged at the Chamah centers in Israel and Russia. 

Special support was extended to families of IDF soldiers who lay their life on the line in defending the Jewish homeland. ■