Rivka Goldstein, the managing director of the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry for the past six years, will retire from the pantry in July.

Food pantry manager Tamara Witkes will assume the role of pantry operations director and pantry volunteer Tracy Finkelstein Thomas will join the staff as office manager.

“My part in growing and developing the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry into a respected and viable organization was truly the highlight of my career,” Goldstein said in a news release. “Personally, it was especially gratifying to assist so many in our community during the pandemic. I cherish the opportunity given me to rise to this unprecedented challenge. Working with an outstanding team, a dedicated lineup of 100 all-star volunteers, we did everything possible, including delivering to thousands door-to-door and conducting drive-thru distributions to meet the need. We were absolutely making a difference.’’

Food pantry director Devorah Alevsky, praised Goldstein. “Rivka has been with the Kosher Food Pantry for six years, and during that time, oversaw tremendous growth in the number of clients served, volunteers engaged and dollars raised,” Alevsky said in the release. “As our dedicated and talented kosher food pantry managing director, her hard work and creativity brought us to where we are today, one of the leading food pantries in the Cleveland area.

“Chabad, at the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s directives, has always been at the forefront of helping the Jewish community both spiritually and materially. Therefore, an important component of the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry is to also offer the holiday traditions and rituals such as blowing shofar on Rosh Hashanah, bringing Chanukah menorahs to each person, Mishloach manos and megillah readings, distributing yahrzeit candles and Jewish calendars to each of the senior buildings and shut-ins, enhancing the Jewish experience for all of our clients.”