Full Breakdown
Congregation Shearith Israel Launches Kosher Food Pantry in Manhattan
11/29/2025, 11:04:31 AM
Opening of the Masbia Relief Annex
On Thanksgiving morning, Congregation Shearith Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, inaugurated a kosher food pantry on Manhattan's Upper West Side during its 11th annual “packathon.” Established in 1654, Shearith Israel, also known as The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, has a long-standing tradition of charitable work, which was highlighted during this event. The pantry, named the Masbia Relief Annex, is a collaboration with Masbia, a nonprofit that operates kosher soup kitchens and food pantries in Brooklyn and Queens.
The event attracted numerous volunteers, including members from various faith communities, who assembled approximately 2,000 food packages. Louis Solomon, the president of Shearith Israel, stated that the congregation aimed to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States by giving back to the community. He emphasized the importance of charitable actions, which have been integral to Jewish culture for over 3,000 years.
Collaboration with Masbia
The initiative to open the food pantry was proposed by Shearith Israel to Alexander Rapaport, the executive director of Masbia. Solomon noted that the congregation pledged $50,000 to support the new pantry and encouraged local faith groups to match this contribution. The pantry is set to open before Hanukkah and will utilize DoorDash for free delivery services, which Rapaport indicated would help eliminate the stigma often associated with food assistance.
Rapaport highlighted that due to recent changes in federal rules regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Masbia had received 11,000 free deliveries from DoorDash this month alone. He expressed optimism about the new location's potential, stating, “We’re here to help people. It’s a new borough... we’re going to reach out to the community and see where the need is.”
Community Impact and Future Plans
The Masbia Relief Annex aims to serve the Manhattan community by providing kosher food assistance. Initially, the pantry will cater to a limited number of individuals, with plans to expand services as demand increases. Rapaport noted that the first week might see only a few dozen clients, but he hopes to grow that number significantly.
The opening of the Masbia Relief Annex not only marks a significant milestone for Congregation Shearith Israel but also reflects a broader commitment to community service and support among diverse religious groups in Manhattan. As the pantry begins operations, it will play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in the area, particularly during the holiday season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s been a part of our culture for 3,000 years, but certainly a part of our culture in America for 372 years, to give back, to try to do what we can,” — Louis Solomon, President of Shearith Israel
- “We’re hoping that DoorDash is our go-to thing, because that eliminates the breadline stigma, and it just brings people food.” — Alexander Rapaport, Executive Director of Masbia
Conclusion
The establishment of the Masbia Relief Annex at Congregation Shearith Israel signifies a commitment to community welfare and highlights the enduring tradition of charitable giving within the Jewish community in America. As the pantry prepares to open, it stands as a testament to the congregation's dedication to serving those in need, especially in light of the upcoming national anniversary.
