The Jewish Exponent highlighted Philadelphia’s Project H.O.P.E. (the local chapter of a larger organization), founded by former B’nai B’rith International staff member Samuel Domsky more than 25 years ago. What began as a small initiative now provides Passover meals for over 700 families annually, fostering community-wide involvement to aid Jewish families in need throughout the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area.

Read more in the Jewish Exponent.

Samuel Domsky is a Dresher resident and Temple Sinai member who has always wanted to help people. In his professional life and personal life, Domsky wants to make a difference, especially for other Jews. So, in 1997, he combined these desires and created Philadelphia’s Project H.O.P.E., the local chapter of a larger organization that has been providing aid to Jewish communities for more than five decades.

From its journey as a startup organization in Domsky’s garage to its current role providing Passover meals for hundreds of families out of Temple Sinai, located in Dresher, Project H.O.P.E. has kept the same message and meaning, largely thanks to Domsky.

“I know I’m just one person [out] of seven billion, but I would like to think that when my life is over I will have made a difference, and I’ve shared that with my children who are now involved in the project,” he said.

Last year, Project H.O.P.E. donated Passover food, including matzo, eggs and gefilte fish, to more than 700 families in the Philadelphia region. More than 400 volunteers helped make this possible, gathering at Temple Sinai to pack and deliver food.

The seeds of Domsky’s decision to start Project H.O.P.E. were planted when he was a child. On a cold day before Christmas, Domsky’s neighbors asked him what he had planned for the holiday. He said he was excited for a day of doing nothing. His neighbors told him they had other plans and that he should join them.

“They said, ‘No, we want you to come with us and help us [serve people],’” said Domsky.
The year was 1974, and Domsky would be changed forever.

“It was the first time that I met a Holocaust survivor. It was the first time I saw numbers tattooed on someone’s wrist,” he said. “I was taken aback and realized that there were a lot of seniors that [suffered from] food insecurity, which inspired me, and I [volunteered] with that family and that church and my next-door neighbors for the next 47 years.”

Then, as Domsky climbed the ladder at his day job at B’nai B’rith International, he learned that the organization had a burgeoning program that could use some help.

“Project H.O.P.E. was underfunded and they wanted to establish it more in certain cities. It was right up my inspiration alley to help the less fortunate and hungry,” he said. “Passover has such an important meaning to me and my family. It’s about bringing a family together, remembering where we came from as a people and being thankful to live in a country where we are free and able to actually celebrate these holidays without fear of repercussions.”

The effort started humbly but successfully, serving 75 families during its first Passover. The organization has ballooned since.

“We’ve just continued to grow and grow,” Domsky said.

Domsky said the mission of the organization has come full circle. What makes him happy is seeing generations of young people awakening to how important this work is as they experience service for the first time.

“We have a big following in the community that has made it part of its tradition. It’s become the big mitzvah day in our synagogue and we encourage a lot of families to bring their children so they can go out and deliver, and they can see for themselves what the need is,” he said.

The people who receive the items, of course, appreciate the gesture more than anyone. Domsky said that, often, the visits from volunteers are the only ones that some folks will receive during the holiday season.

“They are alone, so they get visitors. They are really appreciative of the effort of these volunteers to come out and help those that can really use the food,” he said.