Friday 15 December 2017

December 15, 2017

Chevre,

Did you hear the one about the couple who walk up to the security desk at Out of the Cold? They playfully yet formally state, “We have a reservation for two.” TRUE STORY!

Bread Server to Guest, “ Would you like whole wheat or white?” Guest, “Whole wheat please. White bread’s for pigeons.”
“Your volunteers do a better job than those at a 5-star restaurant.”
On the first really cold Tuesday, Dec 12, a guest requested gloves; however, we had just delivered our last pair. One of our volunteer overheard this. She ran to her car, grabbed her own gloves and presented them to a very grateful guest.

Since it is too difficult to join us, we took our guest, Ralph, a bag of toiletries and his annual Hannukkah dinner: minestrone soup, brisket, latkes and coleslaw – enough for a few meals. In is usual personal way, face to face, Ralph wishes all of you a Happy Holiday.
The Montreal Canadiennes’ fan, his eyes looking upward, a smile of contentment on his lips, wordlessly proclaimed our dinner Heaven sent.

This is what a professional, Paul Boles-Beaven of Union Square Hospitality Group says, “When people think about restaurants, they think most about service as a word, but what they mean is hospitality. Service is the technical delivery of a product to the end user. It’s the right food at the right time at the right temperature being given to the right person. Hospitality is how that transaction feels. You know that something can be done perfectly from a technical point of view and not feel very good. Hospitality is providing for someone else in such a way that they know that you are on their side. The combination of technically perfect service with warm, caring, intelligent, smiling, and friendly hospitality is a winning combination.”  AMEN, PAUL!

It was a special first night of Hanukkah. Thanks to everyone who donated toiletries, the students from Beth Jacob Synagogue’s Hebrew School who packaged them and a special shout out to the latke makers who kept the church from smelling like a shul!

There were 149 guests who will probably all be returning for more Hanukkah styled hospitality, next week. SO, PLEASE bring your own hanukkiah and candles for the full lighting. It will be so beautiful.

Last week, we were visited by our OOTC founder who never forgets to spread her encouragement and greetings to all, “May you be blessed for all you are doing for God-s beloved poor. Thank you for doing all with compassion and joy. Sister Carole Anne”

Finally, the person who taught us most about hakhnasat orchim, hospitality, was Gloria Silverman, z”l, the founder of OOTC’s “Jewish Night.” She taught that wherever there is suffering, it is the Jewish ethic to pursue justice passionately. Food was just one of her SPECIAL ways.

I always say that, for our guests, worries go down better with soup …. Soup that is created, simmered, seasoned, stirred, tasted, adjusted, ladled and delivered by people like you.

Chanukkah Sameach and Shabbat Shalom,

Cindy

November 24, 2017

Shabbat Shalom,

We all agree: the first three weeks of Season Chai have not been 'normal.'  I'm not just talking about the warm weather.  I'm referring to a few things.

First, and so early on, we have a great number of volunteers and you are all great volunteers!!!!   Second, the number of our guests have never been this high so early in the season and, as many of our 'experienced' volunteers have said, there are many new faces (and appetites.)  Thirdly, and maybe this is my own perception of our environment, the newly renovated church. "Truly G-d is in this place, and I did not know it!"  (Referring also to this week's parsha, Vayetzei.)

Why do I think so?

A young woman approached and with genuine honesty remarked that it was her first time at an OOTC. She could not believe her luck. The food was excellent and the people so kind.  I asked her how she learned about us?  She was at her doctor's office, speaking with the nurse who was concerned about her weight and nutrition.  The nurse recommended that Jennifer start dining at OOTC.

Remember Johnny, our guest who was banned from the shelters last February and how we went on a shopping spree at Giant Tiger to outfit him with some items that would help keep him warm until he could return to the shelters. Well, he came for dinner this week looking SO well rested.  He has an apartment!  It has been 5 months now; the rent is slightly over half of his monthly income, but he's good.

Last week, upon arriving for dinner, a gentleman asked if there would be enough soup for seconds. We replied, "Yes, and maybe even thirds."  He replied, "Baruch HaShem."    In Hebrew, that means, "Thank G-d."

Let’s face it, friends. We're all ordinary folks doing something 'unordinary' for some other folks and for ourselves too. But we’re more. Our actions spurned by whatever mindful or unmindful observance we possess is creating a space significantly holier than the one we may inhabit at other times of our week.

We can all be proud of our beginning.

Shabbat Shalom, Cindy
Shabbat Shalom,

We all agree: the first three weeks of Season Chai have not been 'normal.'  I'm not just talking about the warm weather.  I'm referring to a few things.

First, and so early on, we have a great number of volunteers and you are all great volunteers!!!!   Second, the number of our guests have never been this high so early in the season and, as many of our 'experienced' volunteers have said, there are many new faces (and appetites.)  Thirdly, and maybe this is my own perception of our environment, the newly renovated church. "Truly G-d is in this place, and I did not know it!"  (Referring also to this week's parsha, Vayetzei.)

Why do I think so?
A young woman approached and with genuine honesty remarked that it was her first time at an OOTC. She could not believe her luck. The food was excellent and the people so kind.  I asked her how she learned about us?  She was at her doctor's office, speaking with the nurse who was concerned about her weight and nutrition.  The nurse recommended that Jennifer start dining at OOTC.

Remember Johnny, our guest who was banned from the shelters last February and how we went on a shopping spree at Giant Tiger to outfit him with some items that would help keep him warm until he could return to the shelters. Well, he came for dinner this week looking SO well rested.  He has an apartment!  It has been 5 months now; the rent is slightly over half of his monthly income, but he's good.

Last week, upon arriving for dinner, a gentleman asked if there would be enough soup for seconds. We replied, "Yes, and maybe even thirds."  He replied, "Baruch HaShem."    In Hebrew, that means, "Thank G-d."

Let’s face it, friends. We're all ordinary folks doing something 'unordinary' for some other folks and for ourselves too. But we’re more. Our actions spurned by whatever mindful or unmindful observance we possess is creating a space significantly holier than the one we may inhabit at other times of our week.

We can all be proud of our beginning.

Shabbat Shalom, Cindy