An inter-generational celebration of Purim

Today was a wonderful day for the Kohavim children and parents and the residents of Newbridge on the Charles. For the past couple of weeks we've been collecting items to put in mishloach manot baskets that the children made and bags that they decorated. Today was the day that we celebrated Purim with the older adults residing at Newbridge. The first thing we did upon arrival was to have lunch. The children then changed in to their costumes, many of which were homemade. The staff then led us around the complex, visiting a number of the different "houses." The children were told that some of the residents would be in wheelchairs, others using walkers, and some might even be asleep in their chairs. A couple of the children asked what they should do about giving a mishloach manot bag to a resident who might be asleep. "How would we know if they were asleep?" The children were advised to put one of the gift bags next to a resident who might be resting. The children did a great job distributing the bags and bringing many smiles to the residents. When we arrived at one of the common gathering rooms the children sang two Purim songs and one Chanukah song! One of the highlights was observing the children handing out the bags, and looking at the happiness that the residents were clearly experiencing. What a wonderful mitzvah for all. Thank you to the parents who came with us, especially Rebecca Friedman who helped plan the trip. Thank you also to Linda from Newbridge who was our main contact person and the lead organizer of our visit. Many thanks to the rest of the Newbridge staff for facilitating such a wonderful visit.