Local Jewish News

Over 2,000 people stopped by the Flying J Station off Interstate 80 to attend Bikur Cholim of Cleveland’s Annual Pre-Pesach BBQ on the 80. Leaving their clean-for-Pesach vehicles at the station parking lot, families from east and west joined beneath the white tent awning where over 3,000 hot dogs and hamburgers were served up for their enjoyment at no charge.

“It’s hard to describe the atmosphere at the barbeque,” said Ely Schwartz who coordinated the event along with Chaim Ozer Dessler. “It’s fun, it’s festive. There’s music playing and everyone’s just so happy to be there,” he enthused.

Participants also gathered for Mincha and Maariv minyonim. Since Bikur Cholim of Cleveland began hosting its annual pre-Pesach barbeques, the Flying J location has become something of a minyan hotspot for Jews traveling between the Northeast and the Midwest. It’s right off the highway and right into the minyan.

“We appreciate Flying J for hosting this event,” said Rabbi Aryeh Leib Joseph, spokesperson for Bikur Cholim of Cleveland. “The barbeque raised over $13,000 thanks to our sponsors, our team of dedicated volunteers, and donations from the event participants,” he stated with satisfaction.

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland provides an impressive line of services for the ill and their families including, housing, visitation, meals, and transportation. The money raised from this event will help patients from all over the world who come to the Cleveland Clinic for treatment. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of Flying J,” Rabbi Joseph emphasized, and he strongly suggests that the public call Flying J’s corporate headquarters at 1-800- 562-6210 and leave a message thanking the corporation and expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended by the manager and workers at store 709 in Mill Hall, PA!