JPPS and the JEM Workshop: Making Purim Count Just a Little More

The mutual giving of food and drink in baskets called mishloach manot is a time-honoured Purim tradition. Celebrating Purim is simply incomplete without nashing on a hamentashen, or two, or three. But imagine having the power to satisfy someone’s sweet tooth while simultaneously supporting the vital work that the JEM Workshop does in the community. The year 2010 will mark the fourth consecutive year that JPPS and the JEM Workshop will have collaborated on a project that not only yields tangible proceeds that directly support both organizations, but perhaps more importantly, also sensitizes our young generation to intellectually handicapped members of our community.

“This initiative is an incredible win-win situation for everyone involved. Little wonder why it’s been so successful in previous years,” explained project coordinator Dr. Judy Hagshi. “With the fundraising side being so productive, it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of the cooperation that takes place between the students and the workers. To me, that’s the most wonderful part of the program.”

For the past 55 years, the JEM workshop (Formerly the JVS Jewish Workshop) has been a special resource for the Montreal Jewish community. Currently employing 84 intellectually handicapped adults living with a wide range of challenges, they provide their employees with the opportunity to earn a fair wage and to gain the genuine sense of accomplishment associated with a hard day’s work. The fully appointed kosher and peanut-free Purim basket, selling for just ten dollars and containing hamentashen, a chocolate bar, a bottle of grape juice, a Purim mask, and a grager (noisemaker), is but one of the many items that are assembled at the workshop. JPPS Grade 4 classes will be visiting the workshop throughout the week of January 25 to make the baskets.  

To purchase one for yourself, inquire at your synagogue or school office. Baskets are also available through the workshop directly by calling 514-735-4217.