More than 2,500 families and individuals from all walks of life will be gathering together on September 30 and October 1, at 7:15 p.m., at 11 locations across Montreal, the largest of which will be in the Federation CJA building, to celebrate the Jewish New Year with the warmth and spirit of the holiday. Full-course festive New Year meals will be served, and guests will hear the blessings over the holiday’s symbolic traditional foods and can also participate in singing and dancing.

“The High Holidays are a time for families to get together, but some people have no family. For many, it’s a very lonely time. At a time when many people cover their tables with delicacies, others can’t afford to. At a time of spirituality and hope, some don’t know where to turn,” said Rabbi Chaim Cohen, Executive Director of MADA. “Everyone should have the opportunity to usher in the New Year with a community and festive meals.”

“This inspiring initiative allows community members, both volunteers, and participants, to “join together, eat, sing, dance and wish one another blessings for the New Year,” said Yosef Drihem, MADA’s Assistant Director. “We can’t think of a better way to sweeten the New Year than to have all those in need have a place at our table.”

Over 700 volunteers will spend the next weeks preparing and delivering 2000 holiday food baskets and serving 2500 festive holiday meals. This is in addition to the 4,550 Shabbat to Share home-delivered High Holiday meals for the elderly and handicapped as well as the more than one thousand meals prepared by the volunteers in MADA’s cafeteria.

MADA is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in our community. As Montreal’s largest kosher soup kitchen and food bank and offering a variety of services, MADA has been serving the Jewish community for 25 years and seeks to raise awareness of the plight of those in need and to expand its client base.

“MADA fills a gap in our community, ensuring that everyone has a seat around the holiday table. The warmth, joy and care expand beyond the dinner served on Rosh Hashanah,” stated Robert Cutler of Delmar International, sponsor of one of the 11 locations.

To reserve a place at any of the 11 locations, visit madacenter.com, or call 514-342-4969. To volunteer or to make a donation, please call 514-342-4969, ext. 229.