From our inbox:
"Sorry, we can't make it to Shabbat dinner tonight, but I would like to make a deal with you. Can I buy 12 vats of that chicken soup...? That is some chicken soup, it's fantastic even on a regular day, let alone in the cold... and those Matza balls, that was our dinner. We can't thank you enough."
"This past Friday evening, close to 50 people joined the family of Rabbi Moshe and Chanie Gourarie, at Chabad of Toms River, to celebrate Shabbos, with a beautiful Kabbalas Shabbos service and, then, with a delicious hot Shabbos meal. For some, it was their first hot meal of the week. For others, it was their first chance of the week to sit in a well-lit, heated room. B"H, the Chabad House had electricity that night, but, I am convinced that, even if the the power had failed, it would still have been a bright, warm, and comfortable Shabbos. There was too much caring and love to allow the darkness to enter..."
"Shabbos dinner 11-2-12 was very special. So many of us are still experiencing hardship without electricity and heat. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gourarie, you had a major outreach to the Jewish community in Ocean County. The dinner was a true Shabbos experience in bringing light, warmth, and smiles, and joy to all who attended. Everyone was able to forget the hardships of the past week. You and Chanie showed your own kindness by opening your home and Chabad center to the Jewish community. This was the largest Shabbat dinner with so many new people present..."
"Rabbi and Chanie, wow... everything was so delicious, and we can't believe you drove all the way out here to see us. It warmed our hearts and our hands. ____ was holding the pan in her hands to warm up. Some of our neighbors got their electric back today, that has us hoping we're next..."