Abraham’s Tent opens its doors
'We're hoping to really just wrap people in a sense of community and support at a most vulnerable time in their lives'
A NEW community initiative has been launched by Rabbi Aycee and Rebbetzin Sorella Abrahams to support families of patients in and around Prince of Wales Hospital campus at Randwick.
Abraham’s Tent will provide accommodation and meals for families of patients, who often go without a meal while looking after loved ones, and will involve community members in organising and packing care packs and Shabbat packs for families.
A drive to strengthen the community post-COVID, combined with a desire to honour both their late mothers, pushed Rabbi and Rebbetzin Abrahams to provide Jewish families of patients with much-needed support.
“We’re hoping to really just wrap people in a sense of community and support at a most vulnerable time in their lives, and we’re dedicating this all to our mothers, so it feels really meaningful for us,” Rebbetzin Abrahams told The AJN.
She said while beginning in Randwick, they plan to eventually service Jews in hospitals across Sydney.
The not-for-profit, which relies on a combination of community support, government grants and private donors, will roll out in stages beginning with serviced accommodation close to hospitals, allowing families of patients to rest and recuperate in a comfortable setting.
“Having a physical place for people to be close by, but to have a comfortable bed to stay in, and having nutritious food to eat and somewhere to do laundry and have a shower, that’s really vital,” Rebbetzin Abrahams said.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Abrahams are currently training to be hospital chaplains, which will see them in strong positions to provide support and care in Sydney’s hospitals.
Community members will be invited to volunteer with Abraham’s Tent to assist with driving patients and family members to and from appointments.
“We are dedicated and passionate and please G-d, it will happen not only by my husband and myself, but with the help of community members and people getting on board in whichever way they can,” Rebbetzin Abrahams said.
“Whether that’s actual volunteering, whether that’s with finances, whether that’s with their talents or abilities, in whichever way they can … we welcome it.”
Ahead of the opening of a new Chabad House in Randwick, the Abrahams are looking forward to hosting families for meals and providing a hub of support, community, and spiritual guidance.
They recently met with Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill, who wrote on Facebook, “[I am] truly excited to see this amazing initiative get off the ground.”
Get involved: abrahamstent.org.au
comments