Ohavi Zedek Synagogue Gmach: Caring for One Another

Gmach: Caring for One Another

Jewish tradition teaches that we are responsible for one another.

At Ohavi Zedek, Gmach (short for Gemilut Chasadim, “acts of loving-kindness“) is our community care network—a way for members of our congregation to support one another through moments of joy, challenge, transition, loss, and everyday life.

All of us experience times when we need a little extra help. The birth of a child, an illness, a move, the loss of a loved one, a family emergency, or simply a difficult season can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Gmach helps ensure that no one has to navigate those moments alone.

Through meals, rides, visits, phone calls, practical assistance, and compassionate presence, members of our community care for one another in ways both large and small.

Ways Gmach Helps

- - Meals during illness, recovery, grief, or major life transitions
  - Support for mourners and shiva coordination
  - Hospital, homebound, and wellness visits
  - Rides to synagogue and appointments
  - Temporary emergency pet care
  - Care coordination with clergy and staff
  - Community notifications regarding significant life events
  - The Community Freezer

I Need Support

Whether you need support yourself or are reaching out on behalf of someone else, we’d like to hear from you. Sometimes support means organizing meals. Sometimes it means a ride, a phone call, a visit, or simply knowing that your community is thinking about you.

Call: 802-864-0218 ext 811

Request Support

I Want To Help

Gmach is powered by members of our community showing up for one another. Whether you can prepare a meal, make a phone call, provide a ride, visit a congregant, stock the freezer, or help occasionally when a need arises, there are meaningful ways to participate.

Volunteer with Gmach

Support Gmach Financially

Not everyone has time to volunteer, but everyone can help strengthen our community’s network of care. Your donation helps support meals, care initiatives, transportation assistance, freezer supplies, and other resources that allow us to respond when members need support.

Dontate to Gmach

The Community Freezer
Meals for Moments That Matter
Located outside the OZ kitchen, the Community Freezer is stocked with nutritious vegetarian and vegan soups, meals, and other prepared foods made in our kosher kitchen.

The freezer exists for moments when a little support can make a big difference.

A friend is recovering from surgery. A family is grieving. Someone just welcomed a new baby. A neighbor is overwhelmed, exhausted, or having a difficult week.

In those moments, a nourishing meal can be a tangible reminder that they are not alone.

Who Can Take Meals?
Anyone.
If you know someone who could use a meal, please take one for them.
If you are the person who could use a meal, please take one for yourself.
No permission is needed. No questions are asked.

Freezer Information

All food is vegetarian or vegan and prepared in OZ’s kosher kitchen.
Ingredients and known allergens are clearly labeled.
Containers are microwave-safe and do not need to be returned.

Help Stock the Freezer
Community members help keep the freezer stocked throughout the year by cooking, organizing, delivering meals, and making donations.

Support the Community Freezer