Israel Chesed Center expands in Lawrence

In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, the Israel Chesed Center opened in Hewlett to bring comfort, support and connection, hosting more than 250 events — from gatherings for hostage families and wounded soldiers to birthday parties.

Now, the Center has moved into the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC at 140 Central Ave. in Lawrence.

September was especially active for the Chesed Center, with the facility hosting multiple events in rapid succession.

On Sept. 7, Israel’s international spokesperson to the United Nations, Jonathan Harounoff, spoke at a community event. He discussed the Iran-Israel dynamic and his new book, “Unveiled: Inside Iran’s #WomanLifeFreedom Revolt,” which honors those who have died fighting for freedom in Iran.

On Sept. 16, a pre-Rosh Hashana cooking demonstration featured Chef Michele Segelnick of Just What the Kosher Ordered and Master of Ceremonies Elan Kornblum of Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies. More than 80 attendees sampled award-winning recipes highlighting the agricultural bounty of Ofek Aza in southern Israel. Proceeds supported farmers returning home.

Then, on Sept. 28, the center held its largest program yet — a Chesed and Mitzvah Day that drew about 1,000 people. Activities included writing letters to IDF soldiers, kidney donor swabbing with Renewal, tzitzit making, tefillin and mezuzah checking, and preparing jewelry packages for Israeli women. A blood drive collected 66 pints — enough to save nearly 200 lives.

“We always want to encourage people to find a chesed that speaks to them,” said co-founder Moshe Bodner. “I can’t think of a better time of year than Aseret Yemei Teshuvah.”

“Every single person — no matter how old, how religious, how strong or how smart — can make a difference,” Bodner said.

“By bringing Jews together to perform these mitzvoth, we ask Hashem for mercy and a sweet new year,” said co-founder Jeff Eisenberg.