Judaism has always been accustomed to offering copious, abundant and generous meals, especially on Shabbat and during festivities. The cholent (chunt) on Saturdays, after the morning religious service, is a clear example of this.

With the premise of cooking so that there is always enough and never lacking, Rabbi Eli Levy, from the Iarjo Jabad Lavalle community, began to notice that a lot of food was not being used. Without thinking too much about it, he understood that it was the starting point to help those who needed it the most.

For six years, he and his brother Iosi have been leading the ‘Team Chunt’, a group of volunteers from their community who, every Thursday night, rain, snow or shine, deliver hot meals to homeless people in Miserere Square in Buenos Aires.

The initiative, which has also been extended to Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua and other Argentine cities such as Tucumán and Bahía Blanca, delivers 220 food rations weekly.

The beneficiaries are deeply grateful to the volunteers, who altruistically come forward to warm the stomachs and hearts of the neediest.

“I look forward to seeing them every Thursday,” says one of them.

The number 1 rule of ‘Team Chunt’ is: “Whoever comes forward is asked if they want something to eat. It doesn’t matter if they live on the street, if they are needy or just hungry; we give to everyone without asking”.

Just as they help everyone without asking, they also work as a team regardless of religion. On repeated occasions, the group has shared deliveries with members of a church that does the same work.

“There are no religious differences when it comes to helping,” says Team Chunt.

“We give without asking. We provide more than just food; we offer love and dignity. Everyone is welcome to both help and receive.”, concludes Iosi Levy.

Impact in numbers

220 meals per week
100kg of stew
12 volunteers each week
+50 rotating volunteers
2,500kg of chicken per year
80,000 meals distributed
750 blankets
2,500 toys for the children
400 weeks of deliveries

About Iarjo Jabad Lavalle

Jabad Iarjo and Rabbi Iosi Levy host a vibrant Jewish community with minyanim, special events, and classes.

In addition to the cholent initiative, supported by the Leticia & Eduardo Azar Foundation, the community also accommodates 12 Jewish students in their dormitory, helping them maintain a kosher diet and lifestyle.