Posted on 06/03/20
Baltimore, MD - June 2, 2020 - From tribulation to triumph, two local ladies are spearheading a community Facebook group with the goal of random acts of kindness becoming more contagious than the plague. During these unprecedented circumstances many people are suffering physically, spiritually and financially. Mental health has been tested due to the aforementioned stressors as well as the loneliness and isolation exacerbated by strict social distancing. Baltimore natives Jessica Goldberg and Leah Kowalsky were not apathetic to the crisis and were inspired to do something.
With so many impacted by this deadly pandemic, watching from the sidelines was not an option for these two empathetic women. Seeing local family businesses on the brink, mental health declining, people overwhelmed with life, and the loss of routine, they felt compelled to find a way to uplift others' spirits as well as help support small local businesses. The Schnapps Fairies, provided a way to help solve this through random acts of kindness. Buying gift cards to a local salon, purchasing tichels from local boutiques, baked goods from local bakers, food from local restaurants, they were inspiring others to do the same all through selfless giving.
Random acts of kindness whether large-or-small have an immeasurable power and cast a ripple effect which knows no bounds. They captured this effect by starting,
Sisterhood of the Traveling Schnapps: Baltimore’s Ballubasta’s United
Beginning on a whim, to share kindness with their friends, it transformed magically into a network of hundreds of women inspired to spread love, support, and cheer through their community with creative gift-giving by “schnapping one another.” Can you believe Over 2000 “schnapps packages” as they refer to it, have been gifted to the incredible women in our community. They tell us that the best reward is when they hear their member's and recipient's feedback. “ "It showed up just when we needed it the most." "It was so unexpected and I’m grateful." "Thank you, there aren’t enough words to show you what this means to me.”
Jessica and Leah encourage that the giving be completely anonymous and random. “We trust that Hashem guides all of us to those who need it.” Sometimes it’s not random. Its about paying special attention to members of the community such as EMT’s, doctors, nurses, health care workers, essential workers, single mothers, teachers, those who are sick,those recovering from illness, and all who are in need of a pick-me-up.
How does it work? Members of the Facebook group can post on the Facebook page when they are ready to make deliveries by asking for addresses. Additionally they can add their names to an anonymous spreadsheet that is pinned to the top of the FB page. The spreadsheet only contains addresses, no names, some dietary needs and whether or not they’d like alcohol. This is a tool for members to easily access when delivering. Where does the money come from to fund this initiative? Donations. Yes, that’s right! Members give selflessly at their own expense. For those who cannot leave their homes, they donate money through PayPal or Zelle for bags to be made and delivered for them. Jessica and Leah work daily behind the scenes to coordinate deliveries, making sure no one gets missed and to promote that all safety precautions are taken when venturing out. It’s through collective efforts that make this dream a reality.
Watching over 690+ group members take part in this movement, has created a sense of achdut thats is overwhelmingly beautiful. It has even inspired groups to start in San Diego and Houston. Jewish women from all walks of life coming together to exemplify what it means to be a Bat Melach, a true Aishet Chayil. We are one sisterhood, united by our intrinsic values of being Jewish women in today’s world. Bridging the gap between extreme isolation to a sense of togetherness while physically apart. Enabling sense of caring for one another by donating a meal to someone recovering from illness, dropping a bottle of wine off at the home of an overworked mother, giving a spa package to a kallah getting married during this pandemic. Some have donated baskets to be given in honor of a loved one who has passed on, or in the zechus for a refuah sheleima. The opportunities are endless, and the giving is causing a ripple effect felt throughout our entire community. For when we are united as one, Hashem smiles, bringing us one step closer to Mashiach.
Check them out on Facebook and join in on the kindness revolution!! Please remember it’s 21+
