More Than Kugel: A Recipe for Connection

More Than Kugel: A Recipe for Connection

By Tita Kyrtsakas

Joining the Kugel Kindness committee at Holy Blossom has been such a meaningful experience for me. As a convert to Judaism, finding ways to participate in mitzvot and feel connected to the community has been really important, and this program offered such a lovely way to do that.

The idea behind the committee is simple: we make and deliver kugel to families who are experiencing a hard time, such as grieving a loss, or for celebratory reasons, like welcoming a new baby. Food, one of my favourite things, has a way of communicating care. I feel like bringing a baked good to someone’s door is a way of saying that the community is thinking about them during an important moment in their lives.

On my first delivery, I met a couple who were grieving the loss of the husband’s brother. Even while going through something so painful, they were incredibly warm. When they learned that I was converting, they shared such kind and encouraging words about my journey into Judaism. Their generosity in that moment meant a lot to me and reminded me how compassionate this community is.

A few months later, my husband joined me to volunteer to actually make the kugel together. It ended up being such a fun experience. We spent the time chatting, mixing ingredients, and getting to know other members of the synagogue. What started as a small act of volunteering turned into a really joyful way to meet people and feel more connected.

Programs like this matter because they bring people together through simple acts of kindness. They remind us that the Holy Blossom community is about showing up for one another in everyday ways. Something as humble as a kugel can carry a lot of care, and being part of that has felt really special to me. I encourage others to join this committee to be a part of such a special program.

If you would like to volunteer with Kugel Kindness, as a baker, driver, or both, please email [email protected]. We’d love to have you join us!

Kugel Kindness is generously sponsored by Les and Beverley Rothschild