Brighton Beach residents congregated at the Shorefront Jewish Community Center on Sept. 3 to stock up on kosher foods in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty and the Food Bank for New York City joined community volunteers and rabbis to hand out food to people who may not be able to afford kosher goods. A Met Council spokesperson said that kosher food costs approximately 30 percent more than non-kosher products, a barrier that could prevent some observers of the Jewish holidays from having a positive experience.
“Ahead of major Jewish holidays, we increase our food allotment to all of our pantries to enable people to celebrate the holidays with nutrition,” said Rena Resnick.
Resnick said the organization specifically stocks up on kosher poultry to give away.
“It’s particularly difficult to find affordable kosher protein,” she said.
The turnout for the event was consistent with years past at approximately 1,100 families. The Met Council and Food Bank distribute food at similar events across the city for people of all ages, but the Brighton Beach event brings mostly seniors, according to Resnick.
Resnick said the organization specializes in distributing kosher food, but provides help to people of any ethnic or religious background, year round.
“Around the holidays, its important to give out the food to be joyous,” Resnick said. “But people need help year round, not just in front of the holidays. We work with everyone.”
Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of Sept. 13, and ends the evening of Sept. 15.
