Why, then, does the pantry carry his name? Actually, it doesn’t – it is named for Rabbi Raphael Guy, who in 1989 came to Brooklyn to help many return to Orthodox Judaism through outreach and “chesed” (acts of kindness).
Of course, Raphael’s reluctance to accept praise hasn’t kept it away from him.
“Raffie has made a big difference for me, “ said a 35-year-old single mother filling her cart with her weekly supply of canned vegetables, potatoes, apples, and other staples for herself and her three children. “Without this store, things would be a lot harder than they already are, especially now.”
“It’s really a big help,” another mother – of nine – said as her 10-year-old daughter helped her load up on cereal, peanut butter, macaroons, and a little bit of chocolate. She is somewhat better off than most of the individuals and families who line up outside the store every day except, of course, Saturday – her husband has a stable job with the city. But she doesn’t work, and they must pay tuition for all nine kids to go to yeshiva. Couldn’t they simply go to public school? “That’s just not an option,” she said.
She likely would not qualify for food stamps or other such assistance because of her husband’s salary, but Raphael doesn’t screen people that way. “They just fill out a short questionnaire for the records, but that’s it,” he said. “Who am I to judge? If someone who doesn’t need it, comes in and takes food, that’s his sin. But if I deny someone who, it turns out, really needed it, then it’s my sin.”
“No one is ever turned away,” confirmed Barbara Reinfeld, a newly hired speech teacher at Lincoln High School who volunteers regularly at the Chesed. She often prepares emergency food baskets of vegetables, bread, high-protein items like sardines or canned tuna, and other necessities for people who, right here in Brooklyn, in the 21st Century, are on the cusp of starving.
As a promotion for a Thanksgiving hunger drive happened to be broadcast on a radio in the back tuned to an FM music station, Raphael told Bay Currents that he collects the food – including perishables stored in an array of large refrigerators – from some 60 organizations, including City Harvest and local supermarkets. He will only distribute kosher food to those who come to the door; he redistributes the non-kosher food to churches and to food pantries catering to non-Jews.
He purposely calls the Chesed a food store, rather than “soup kitchen” or “food pantry,” even placing a sign at the exit, “CHECKOUT.”
About 80 percent of the funding for the Chesed’s operating costs – including a staff of eight paid workers -- comes from his own pocket, he said
Why does he do it? “I’ve been involved in chesed activities ever since I was 17,” he said. “It’s part of my religion.”
To donate, volunteer, or to be a recipient, call Raphael at 917-861-7282 – or just drop by.
