Once again, CJDS community members are putting chesed into action, helping establish a new kosher community fridge in Skokie to serve those in need. Named after Hersh Goldberg-Polin, z"l, Hersh's Fridge provides free, fresh foods and prepared meals for anyone to take anonymously. 

Rabbi Ari Hart, a member of our Rabbinic Advisory Group, and Rabbi Hody Nemes of Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue played key roles in organizing the fridge. Rabbi Hart told JTA, "Hersh was about doing good work, bringing people together, bridging divides," making the fridge's name particularly meaningful.

A dedicated volunteer group of teenagers, including 2023 CJDS alum Hillel Lennon, helped create the fridge and continues to support it. Hillel shared, "As Jews, it's very important to help our community and the people in need that live here."

When planning Hersh's Fridge a year ago, Skokie community members visited Hyde Park's Rodfei Zedek Congregation to learn about The Love Fridge Chicago initiative, which runs 17 fridges throughout Chicago. Rodfei Zedek's Love Fridge has been operating since 2020 under the guidance of CJDS parent Rabbi David (Ilyssa) Minkus (Raia, Grade 5; Adira, Grade 2). David shares that the fridge "fills an unbelievable need, and it is both heartening and heartbreaking to see how quickly it gets emptied. It’s an hourly mitzvah."

Amid growing concerns over SNAP payments and food insecurity, organizations nationwide are mobilizing to support those in need. We are proud to see the Chicago Jewish community, including many CJDS members, taking a leading role in these essential efforts.

Visit this page to learn how to get involved with Hersh's Fridge.

Visit this page to learn how to get involved with The Love Fridge.