Volunteers Bring Passover Joy to Holocaust Survivors Across Los Angeles
On a recent Saturday night after Havdalah in April, community members gathered at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Culver City for an extraordinary act of kindness. Volunteers arrived ready to pack hundreds of canvas bags filled with Kosher-for-Passover food, fresh eggs, and spring flowers—gifts of nourishment and remembrance that would be delivered to JFSLA-affiliated Holocaust survivors throughout Los Angeles.
“This is the fifth year of our Cafe Europa Project,” shared Renalee Pflug, Executive Director at Adat Shalom. “Every year we grow, delivering more packages and welcoming more volunteers. Jewish Family Service LA puts out the call, and people from all walks of life show up ready to help.”
Each household received two grocery bags full of Passover items—matzah, grape juice, a dozen eggs, macaroons, seltzer, tea, gefilte fish, cold cuts, and a bouquet of flowers—in addition to a $25 Ralphs gift card.
By Sunday morning, a new wave of volunteers arrived—loading cars and heading out across Los Angeles to make doorstep deliveries to over 370 households: 250 in the city and 120 in the San Fernando Valley. “This is only possible because of the strong, compassionate volunteer community we’ve built,” said Kimiko Kelly, JFSLA’s Director of the Arts, Wellness, and Engagement (AWE) Program.
In total, 142 volunteers participated in packing and delivery efforts this year. Among those helping was Wayne Barsky, who will be honored with the 2025 JFSLA Anita & Stanley Hirsh Award at JFSLA’s annual Gala on May 7th. Wayne, who arrived with his children and grandchildren in tow, reflected: “This is a very special holiday that we can all participate in through volunteering. I’m so glad to be here with the entire family.”
This heartfelt effort was first imagined five years ago by Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz of Valley Beth Shalom, who approached Jewish Family Service LA with the idea of delivering groceries to Holocaust Survivors. At the time, he was at the helm of Adat Shalom and helped mobilize the synagogue and local businesses to donate food. JFSLA organized the recipient list and delivery coordination, and together, they launched what has now become a beloved annual tradition.
As bags were packed, cars filled, and doorbells rang across town, one thing was clear: in this season of freedom and tradition, community remains at the heart of it all.
