Gural JCC remains physically closed, remotely active

The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC has extended the shutdown of its facilities in Cedarhurst and Lawrence at least through April 30 because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials stated in an emailed letter on April 14.

JCC officials review their status every two weeks and the board meets weekly to help ensure that services remain in place working in junction with partners such as Community Chest South Shore and UJA Federation of New York, officials said.

“We continue to explore additional financial supports that we can provide for our clients and families who are struggling,” JCC President Steve Bernstein and Chief Executive Officer Aaron Rosenfeld stated in the email.

The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry at the Cedarhurst-based Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place continues to provide food for people in need. More than 400 Passover food packages have been distributed.

“Our social workers continue to work remotely with our elderly and vulnerable community members,” officials said, adding that an increasing number of people are “feeling isolated and scared.”

Remote programs for people with special needs and lectures and webinars are available. Early childhood teachers are conducting classes on Zoom, the video conferencing platform, and offer projects and videos for the children.

“Our staff continues to work hard each day under challenging circumstances to make sure that our children continue to grow and learn, and that no one is hungry or forgotten,” officials said. 

Viewing the JCC as a “safety net” for many in the community, officials asked that everyone could take part and support the programs it offers.

If you are aware of someone suffering from food insecurity, contact the SHOP at (516) 234-6020 or stacey.feldman@guraljcc.org. For other services, call (516) 569-6733. Go to https://bit.ly/2VbwwD8, to contribute to the Gural JCC’s emergency fund.