When Generations Unite: L’dor V’dor at the Genet Cupboard
Ross Adel, Director of Operations at Goodman JFS of Broward County, has welcomed countless volunteers through the doors of the Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard. But one moment in November 2025 stood apart. Among the 100 volunteers gathered to support the Thanksgiving food distribution, teens were serving side by side with adults and seniors, three generations united by a shared commitment to ensure their neighbors could celebrate the holiday with nourishing food.”The most memorable and meaningful moment was seeing so many teens step up to volunteer alongside adults and seniors,” Ross reflected. “Watching multiple generations work together so seamlessly truly embodied l’dor v’dor and highlighted the values of responsibility, compassion, and community that are being passed forward.”
Volunteers gather at the Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard for Thanksgiving food distribution.
For Ross, the day was an overwhelming success. Volunteers efficiently packed meals, coordinated deliveries, and personally delivered Thanksgiving dinners” to members of the community. The strong coordination and team effort made everything run smoothly from start to finish. But beyond the logistics, something deeper was happening. This was Jewish service in its most direct and purest form – commitment from one human to another.
Goodman JFS of Broward County has been a longtime partner of Repair the World, sharing a commitment to mobilizing the Jewish community to address local needs through hands-on service. The Genet Cupboard, one of their key programs, embodies this partnership. It provides a space where Jewish values meet tangible action, where volunteers do not just learn about the commitment to repairing the world, tikkun olam, they experience it first-hand. “Volunteering at the Cupboard is deeply rewarding and unlike anything else,” Ross shared. “There is something incredibly powerful about Jews strengthening other Jews in such a direct, hands-on way. The Cupboard team operates like a well-oiled machine, making it easy for volunteers to plug in, feel useful, and see the immediate impact of their efforts.”
The volunteers felt it too. Throughout the day, their words reflected the power of the experience. “Being able to help more families have a Thanksgiving meal made the holiday feel so much more special.” But perhaps the sentiment that resonated most came from a volunteer witnessing the same intergenerational collaboration that moved Ross. “Seeing so many teens involved gave me so much hope for the future of our community.”
Even after the program ended, hope remains and inspires. The teens were not just packing meals that day. They were learning what it means to show up for their neighbors and community, to embody Jewish values through service, and to be part of something larger than themselves – truly repairing the world. By learning from their elders, they absorbed lessons of responsibility, compassion, and communal care, ensuring those Jewish values will be passed on. “You leave feeling connected, purposeful, and proud to be part of the community,” Ross said.
Through partnerships like Repair the World and Goodman JFS, Jewish service grows stronger, bringing generations together and turning shared values into meaningful, hands-on impact.
