We have been partnering with JFS throughout this pandemic to ensure that our homebound and most vulnerable receive food, groceries, and other essentials. Additionally, many of us are personally shopping for our own family and friends to keep them from unnecessary COVID exposure.

I’ve learned over the past six months that people have distinct preferences when it comes to their groceries. Some have brand loyalty, while others have very specific tastes. I shop for one woman who likes her tomatoes ripe and red, while another woman likes her tomatoes firm and orange. If I mix up the orders, I will hear about it from both of them.

I have one gentleman who complained that I purchased the wrong brand of distilled water. Now, I have not taken a chemistry class since the early ‘80s, but I’m fairly certain that the active and even the inactive ingredients of distilled water are completely consistent across all brands.
Well, I’ve just returned from three weeks in Israel with the first two weeks spent in quarantine (more on the trip and my daughters’ weddings in the weeks ahead) and I have a whole new appreciation for being the recipient of another’s shopping.

While on the subject of distilled water, which I need for my CPAP, my first shopper brought me mineral water. The second shopper brought me distilled water with minerals added for drinking. While both waters were useful for making bad instant coffee, neither was helpful with the CPAP.

My favorite shopping mishap, I will chalk up to a translation issue. We requested a large box of Honey Bunches of Oats, and while we did not receive the cereal, my daughter will likely never run out of date honey syrup.

All of these shopping issues, while true, are completely tongue-in-cheek, as I am incredibly appreciative of our Israeli family and friends who took care of us when we needed them. Furthermore, it is our privilege as a community to take care of our seniors. COVID is giving us all the opportunity to fulfill the teaching that Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh – all of Israel is responsible for each other.

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