Shalom Café: Building Community, One Conversation at a Time

By Vlad Cerbov, JFS Delaware Community Relations Manager

In a time when social isolation among older adults has reached crisis levels in the United States, Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS) is proud to introduce Shalom Café, a welcoming and intergenerational space where connection, conversation, and community flourish. Open to all, Shalom Café provides a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to engage, support one another, and combat loneliness through meaningful interactions. 

The idea for Shalom Café emerged in November 2024, around the Thanksgiving holiday. At the time, I (Vlad), was leading Memory Café, a program designed for older adults experiencing cognitive changes. As I worked with participants, I noticed a concerning trend—many were feeling increasingly overwhelmed. The stress and anxiety surrounding the political climate, global conflicts, and the uncertainty of the upcoming election were taking a serious toll on their mental and physical health. It became clear that our community needed more than just a social outlet; it needed a safe haven where individuals could process their emotions, find reassurance, and support one another through challenging times. Shalom Café was born from this need. 

“I have been thinking about the word “dote” (to be extremely and uncritically fond of) in relation to our increasingly splintered and divisive society,” said Karen Thistle. “As a volunteer at Shalom Café, I have the opportunity to dote on participants: to greet with a smile, to offer a beverage, to laugh over a shared cultural memory as we go over “this day in the history,” to connect heart to heart, to grimace when our “sit fit” repetitions are one too many. Being together, not splintered, not divided, brings a measure of Shalom to all!”  

While Shalom Café offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and socialization, its primary purpose is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly discuss their anxieties, fears, and concerns. In a world filled with uncertainty, having a place to process the impact of political shifts, world events, and military conflicts is essential for maintaining emotional well-being. 

“Shalom Café is a place where strangers become friends, because they find connections and stimulating conversations,” said volunteer Marla Friedman. “Shalom Café is a great place to be as a participant or volunteer. It’s refreshing to be immersed in a respectful and kind environment where laughter and caring words are the norm. I have the opportunity of leading mindful movement with the group that brings a sense of peace in these stressful times.” 

Beyond offering a space for conversation, Shalom Café hosts a variety of engaging activities designed to spark joy, foster connection, encourage mental stimulation, promote mindfulness, and aid in physical wellbeing. From trivia and bingo to interactive games and discussions on current events, there is something for everyone. We also encourage participants to share reflections on the past, reminisce about cherished memories, and celebrate the present moment together. 

Join us on the first and third Friday of each month at 12:45 PM in the JCC Boardroom for Shalom Café, where every visit is an opportunity to laugh, learn, and connect. Whether you are looking for camaraderie, a stimulating discussion, or simply a warm and welcoming space, you will find it here. Together, we can turn isolation into inclusion and foster a true sense of belonging for all.