Sufi Service Committee (Boston) – Issue 185

Addressing the most pressing needs of our commUNITY

“… feeling compassion towards everyone… we feel completely fulfilled when we give and receive love and support to and from another human being.” – Dr. Alireza Nurbakhsh, Founder of Sufi Service Committee

FEELING COMPLETELY FULFILLED!

On October 20th, members of the Sufi Service Committee prepared a wonderful lunch for our street friends in Cambridge. With Sally wearing the proverbial chef’s hat, she guided us through the making of baked cod, rice pilaf, and a vegetable medley alongside Lauren’s lemon pound cake – every detail of the meal being homemade with fresh ingredients. Mr. Noor ensured that no one went a minute without smiling, as he came bright and early with fresh fruit, hot tea, and his characteristic array of jokes ready to carry us into the afternoon. Between 8:00am and 12:00pm, the day slowly warmed from a brisk 40 degrees to an inviting autumnal 72, serving as a convenient metaphor for the steady lifting of spirits through the making of the meal. Fatimah Jon’s appearance literally made Mr. Noor jump out of his seat with joy, we left with the scents of fresh chopped dill and sliced lemon still mixing in the air.

On October 20, members of the Sufi Service Committee prepared a wonderful lunch for our street friends in Cambridge. With Sally wearing the proverbial chef’s hat, she guided us through the making of baked cod, rice pilaf, and a vegetable medley alongside Lauren’s lemon pound cake – every detail of the meal being homemade with fresh ingredients. Mr. Noor ensured that no one went a minute without smiling, as he came bright and early with fresh fruit, hot tea, and his characteristic array of jokes ready to carry us into the afternoon. Between 8:00am and 12:00pm, the day slowly warmed from a brisk 40 degrees to an inviting autumnal 72, serving as a convenient metaphor for the steady lifting of spirits through the making of the meal. Fatimah Jon’s appearance literally made Mr. Noor jump out of his seat with joy, we left with the scents of fresh chopped dill and sliced lemon still mixing in the air.

Many Volunteers, One Mission!

 Along with the food, Sufi Service Committee arranged for a lovely set of live music, as well as hand-inspected, clean, clothes collected at Noor Oriental Rugs in Cambridge. All of these elements, including the hours of grocery and personnel coordination on behalf of Mr. Noor, is one hundred percent volunteer based.

This was my first time attending the Sunday meal service, and it was great to see the new faces of those who have recently moved to Massachusetts and join our community, as well as have the typical Thursday and Sunday meditation crews get to know each other more. Our street friends at the center were raving about the food, impressed as always with Sally’s cooking and the individually tailored trays on which meals were served, and could not wait to welcome us back. Peter and Ali spoke at length with one community member after the meal as he shared much of his life story and thanked us for the company. Thanks to everyone who had a hand in planning the meal, getting the requisite groceries, and directing traffic in the kitchen. It was very clearly appreciated by all.

– Eric Aldieri

MAKE HUNGER HISTORY

1. In-person service: Our core volunteers and happy new faces sort, organize, fold clothes, garden, or prepare meals for homeless children, women, and men. This is a cheerful collaboration of friends over the joy of service. The friendly events are held on Saturdays (8:50 am to 12:30 pm.) at Noor Oriental Rugs, 769 Concord Avenue in Cambridge, MA. 

2. At-home meal preparation

3. Donation: We do not have the luxury of time. We are stronger than ever but we have the hardest challenges too. We are supported only by awesome people like YOU! As a 501(c) charity organization, all donations are tax-deductible. To put your money where your heart is, send a check or PayPal to: SufiServiceBoston@gmail.com 

Mo Nooraee, Sufi Service Committee (Boston)

 84 Pembroke Street, Boston, MA 02118 & 769 Concord Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138

sufiserviceboston@gmail.com www.NimatullahiSufiBoston.org

The Sufi Service Committee of Boston is a 501(c) charity organization. All donations are tax-deductible.