Skokie Jewish Community to Dedicate Hersh's Fridge and Unveil Memorial Mural Today

SKOKIE, Ill., . Solu, a local organization that builds bridges between diverse communities through service, will hold a dedication ceremony for Hersh's Fridge, a kosher community refrigerator serving families across Chicagoland on Tuesday, September 2, at 8:30 a.m. at the Hersh’s Fridge pavilion, across from Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue, 8825 East Prairie Rd., Skokie, Illinois.

Members of the Goldberg-Polin family will attend the ceremony, and a handmade mural and portrait of Hersh Goldberg-Polin will be unveiled. The dedication falls near the second anniversary of his murder (see below).

Hersh's Fridge is the nation’s first kosher, community fridge that is stocked by neighbors and open to anyone who needs food with privacy and dignity. Contents are kosher, which allows kosher-keeping families in need to find food anonymously; this population is often underserved by conventional community fridges and pantries. The Fridge is open to anyone who wants to deliver or “shop” for food. Situated in the incredibly diverse Skokie/Evanston/Morton Grove area, the Fridge is patronized by community members of all faiths and backgrounds – Muslim, Jews, Christians, and many more – in keeping with Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s values. He and his family envisioned a world where kindness and love break down barriers between communities.

The memorial mural, created by local artists Alana Elias, Rena Grosser, Ariela Robinson, and Joey Wertheimer will be permanently installed at the site.

Remarks will be offered by members of Hersh’s family, Solu Executive Director Rabbi Hody Nemes, Skokie Valley Rabbi Ari Hart, YU Kollel Mitzion of Skokie Rosh Kollel Rabbi Reuven Brand, Hersh’s Fridge Co-Chairs Amanda Goldstein and Leah Rubin, and other Fridge volunteers and local leaders. The program is expected to run approximately one hour.

"Hersh believed in helping the hungry and building bridges between communities. We have kept his values in our hearts as we’ve created this living monument to his memory,” said Rabbi Hody Nemes, Executive Director of Solu. “In keeping with Jewish tradition, Hersh’s Fridge serves everyone with dignity, no questions asked.”

Community members who wish to contribute may donate at www.solu.us/fridge or bring certified kosher food to the fridge any time they want.

Event Details
What: Ceremonial dedication of Hersh's Fridge and unveiling of memorial mural

When: Tuesday, September 2, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 am

Where: Event Tent - Parking lot across the street from 8825 East Prairie Rd., Skokie, IL 60076. (Put 8800 E Prairie into Google Maps to navigate directly to parking lot.)

Who: Members of the Goldberg-Polin family, Solu staff and Hersh’s Fridge volunteers, local clergy, community members

Media: Press is welcome. Photography permitted. Please RSVP to Amanda Goldstein by August 28.