At JCCGCI, community is at the heart of everything we do; and few moments capture that better than our pre–Rosh Hashanah challah bake with Holocaust Survivors, hosted together with our wonderful partners at KPMG US and Shabbat Angels.
On September 17th, more than 25 Holocaust Survivors came together with our JCCGCI team, Shabbat Angels volunteers, and members of the KPMG family for a truly unforgettable afternoon. The event, held at KPMG’s US headquarters, was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet aroma of freshly braided challah.
Survivors and volunteers sat side by side, rolling dough, sharing stories, and weaving connections as they shaped their challahs to bring home for Shabbat. For many, it was more than just baking bread— it was the revival of cherished traditions, the joy of being together, and the chance to celebrate life and resilience as the High Holidays approached. The atmosphere was electric with joy and meaning. The room buzzed with conversations that bridged generations, reminding us all of the enduring power of Jewish continuity.
This event was also a celebration of community partnership. With the support of KPMG US and Shabbat Angels, JCCGCI was able to create a holiday experience that honored our Survivors and reminded them how deeply they are valued. Volunteers didn’t just help bake bread, they helped create an atmosphere of belonging and dignity.
As we emerge from the reflective days of Yom Kippur, the spirit of this gathering continues to stay with us; a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, our community is strongest when we come together to share tradition, love, and light.
We are profoundly grateful to our partners at KPMG US and Shabbat Angels for their dedication and generosity, and most importantly, to our Survivors, who continue to inspire us with their resilience, courage, and unbreakable faith in life.
This vital work with Holocaust Survivors is made possible through the generous support of the Claims Conference, whose commitment ensures that Survivors can continue to be honored, celebrated, and uplifted in our community.
👉 Want to get involved? Email us at info@jccgci.org or call 718-449-5000 for more information.
ABOUT JCCGCI
Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is a community-based organization with a citywide scope, providing a wide-spectrum of senior citizen, career, educational, crime-reduction, mental health, community revitalization and related services benefiting all segments of the population. JCCGCI is also a technical assistance provider, offering capacity building services to nonprofits in all five boroughs through its NonProfit HelpDesk division (www.nphd.org). With 40 program sites throughout New York City staffed by almost 400 social service professionals, JCCGCI assists an average of upwards of 2,500 needy individuals and families each day.
JCCGCI’s Holocaust Survivor Support Services is one of the largest in the world, providing critical assistance to over 4,000 Holocaust Survivors annually. Services include Homecare, Transportation, Case Management, Friendly Visiting, Medicaid Appeals, Socialization, and Home Delivered Meals.
