L’Dor V’Dor to host free event for homebound seniors April 3

The L'Dor V'Dor program isn't content to provide more than 200 homebound seniors with a day of socializing and lunch. It wants to expand the program to include more such people to its roster.

It's asking the community to sign up more people for its Pre-Passover Seder luncheon, which is planned for 10:30 a.m. April 3 at Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane. Those of any denomination are welcome, said Shel Kolner, who coordinates the event, which is offered at no cost to the seniors. Reservations must be made by Wednesday.

"What do I get out of it? I see the smiles on people's faces as they say, 'Thank you,' " he said. "It's very satisfying."

L'Dor V'Dor means generation to generation. Now in its 11th year, its annual Pre-Passover Seder sees more than 200 attendees.

The luncheon includes a program by students from one of the campus schools. Rabbi Felipe Goodman, assisted by Cantor Avi Alpert, is scheduled to lead the Seder.

Spiedini Ristorante owner and chef Gustav Mauler caters the Passover meal, which is served family-style.

More than 40 volunteers help at the event. Some greet the buses, and others register the attendees and give them name badges. Others assist those who need help walking to find their table. Wheelchairs are provided for those who need them.

Each table has a captain who assists attendees and sees that they get a beverage and are fed.

The luncheon winds up about 12:15 p.m., when everyone gets on their bus to be transported home. Name tags also include the person's retirement facility, ensuring that they get on the correct bus.

How many seniors has the event "lost" in the past 10 years?

"None," Kolner said. "We make sure they all get home."

L'Dor V'Dor puts on five such events each year. The luncheons follow the Jewish holidays throughout the year. The Jewish year starts in the fall with the High Holy Days, Jewish New Year and the Day of Atonement. The second event is at Hanukkah time, followed by Purim, the deliverance of the Jewish people from Persian persecution, usually observed in February. Next is the Pre-Passover Seder, which commemorates the exodus from Egypt. It's followed by Shavuot, which honors the day God gave the 10 commandments to the Israelites assembled at Mount Sinai.

Barbara Isaacs lives at a retirement facility and said she enjoys the luncheons, as they give her a chance to get out and meet new people.

"The people at our facility really look forward to it," she said. "I love the shows that have the little kids performing."

It costs L'Dor V'Dor about $7,000 to put on each event. Each of the 14 to 15 buses costs $200 to charter. Part of the cost is born by the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. The idea for the event is credited to Elaine Goldfarb, who chairs L'Dor V'Dor.

There is no cost, but reservations are required by calling Elaine Jacobs at 228-0247. When making a reservation, indicate if transportation is requested. Individuals who arrive on their own are still required to call for a reservation. For more information, visit bethsholomlv.org/our-community/ldor-vdor.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.