There it is listed on the calendar of each local municipality! A reminder that it is time to clean out closets, garages and sheds located in the back of the house. It is an education to drive around on the night prior to the bulk garbage being placed in front of houses. Entire houses could be furnished, and indeed what a chesed it is. Many who have placed their “unnecessary possessions” in front of the street have made many attempts to give and/or sell their wares. It is as a final step that these goods are disposed of. On each of these nights we see trucks driving around sorting out what they might be able to use from someone else’s garbage. We put out some plant pots that we no longer needed as we have way too many. Despite the fact that we live on New Bridge Road, within a few minutes a car had stopped and held up the traffic in order for the driver to pick up receptacles for his plants. We are thrilled; let them enjoy.
In actual fact our communities go one step further than bulk day, every day. We were amazed when we saw TeaneckShuls the first time. Is there a greater chesed than offering a potpourri of totally different acts of kindness 24 hours a day? We have attempted to explain to people in Montreal the extent of what TeaneckShuls does: offering rides, offering furniture (without a bulk day), children’s clothing, adult’s clothing, providing doctor and health information, the myriads of things they do is difficult for someone who is not part of it to understand.
Mordechai was the moderator of the Nefesh (Intl Association of Mental Health Professionals) listserv for many years. We know the work and dedication it takes to be involved in such an undertaking. Generally, these devoted individuals are not recognized for what they do on a daily basis. We, the Glicks, would like to recognize the hard work and selfless time that is put into moderating something most of us take for granted. We are surrounded by volunteerism that can boggle the mind. People who volunteer to be on chevrot kadisha, TVAC, clothing drives, Yad Leah, Bikur Cholim, and other activities that are far too numerous to mention.
Now in the lazy, hazy days of summer, when hopefully some of us have slightly less stress, is as good of a time as any to recognize how fortunate we are to be a part of this wonderful community.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick are living in Bergenfield after many years of service to the Montreal Jewish community. Rabbi Glick was the rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisroel as well as a practicing clinical psychologist in private practice. He also taught at Champlain Regional College. The Glicks were frequent speakers at the OU marriage retreats. Nina coordinated all Yachad activities in Montreal and was a co/founder of Maison Shalom, a group home for young adults with special needs. They can be reached at [email protected].
