A Corner of Care: New Kosher Pantry Opens at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney

01 Jul 2026

A new Kosher Pantry has officially opened at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, providing Jewish patients, families and visitors with 24-hour access to kosher food, prayer books and essential religious items, helping ensure comfort and continuity of faith during times of illness and uncertainty.

The pantry has been established through a partnership between Jewish House, Abrahams Tent and St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, with seed funding provided through the St Vincent's Curran Foundation's Endowment Grants Program.

The initiative was officially opened by NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health, the Hon. Ryan Park MP, alongside NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

St Vincent's Health Network Sydney Chief Executive Officer Anna McFadgen said the pantry reflected the values that have guided St Vincent's since its foundation.

"Exceptional healthcare is about more than clinical excellence. It is about recognising the needs of every individual and ensuring patients and families feel welcomed, respected and supported," Ms McFadgen said.

"The Kosher Pantry is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when community, faith and healthcare come together in service of others."

Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM, CEO of Jewish House and chaplain at the hospital for more than 35 years, said the initiative would provide practical and spiritual support to patients and families when they need it most.

"Something as simple as having access to kosher food or familiar religious items can bring enormous comfort to patients and families and remind them that they are cared for and supported," Rabbi Kastel said.

Minister Park said at the heart of this initiative is a very human concept – that during difficult and uncertain times, such as a hospital stay, it’s the little things that can make a difference.

“This is exactly what we want in our health system – somewhere people of all backgrounds can access care with confidence, and that they feel safe and cared for,” he said.

“This is more than just a cupboard: it sends very clearly a message that we support Jewish people as they come into our hospital often on the worst day of their life or their family’s life.

“The kosher pantry initiative is a wonderful example of inclusive, compassionate healthcare in action.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said, “This is among the first of three kosher pantries in NSW hospitals, with more planned across the state to provide greater comfort and care to Jewish patients, families and loved ones during what is often a very challenging time.

“The important message for patients, families and carers of all backgrounds, faiths and cultures is that no matter who you are or where you are from, you will be treated with kindness, respect, and compassion. We are here for you.”

Established in 2017, Abraham's Tent was founded by Rabbi Aycee Abrahams and his wife Sorella to provide kosher meals and support to people in need across the Jewish community. What began with volunteers delivering meals from their family home has grown into a community organisation that prepares and distributes thousands of meals each year, supporting individuals and families facing illness, hardship and crisis.

Through the partnership with St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Abraham's Tent will continue to stock and maintain the Kosher Pantry, ensuring patients and visitors have access to kosher meals and religious items around the clock.

The Kosher Pantry was made possible through the St Vincent's Curran Foundation's Endowment Grants Program, which has supported innovative staff-led projects for more than 40 years, providing a permanent source of funding to improve patient care and experience across St Vincent's.

By backing ideas large and small, the Endowment enables staff to bring forward practical initiatives that enhance the lives of patients and families. The Kosher Pantry is a powerful example of how philanthropy can provide comfort, dignity and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Kosher Pantry Opening Photo 1

Pictured at the official opening of the Kosher Pantry at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney (L>R): Chair of the Board of Trustees St Vincent's Curran Foundation Charles Curran AC, Co-founders of Abrahams Tent Sorella Abrahams and Rabbi Aycee Abrahams, CEO Jewish House Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM, NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health, the Hon. Ryan Park MP, and St Vincent's Health Network Sydney Chief Executive Officer Anna McFadgen.

Pictured: The pantry is accessible 24/7 and is stocked with kosher food, prayer books and essential religious items.