How the Holidays should be
The holidays should be beautiful. It’s family time.
Some families don’t have that luxury; quite the opposite. When poverty has crept into a home, the holidays (chagim) are tough. The contrast between privilege and struggle is stark and painful. Parents and kids feel it in different ways: Children feel the sting of jealousy when their friends parade around new outfits, while they show up, yet again, in dirtied hand-me-downs. And the parents suffer from feelings of inadequacy and being unable to fully provide.
Jewish tradition therefore rich with examples of giving to the community’s needy specifically around the holidays. The holiday of Purim has Mishloach Manot, The festival of Passover boasts Kimcha D’Pischa and Maos Chitim. Succot invites the Ushpizin. Even on Rosh HaShana, we are told that our livelihoods are set in stone – except for what we invest into Tzedakah.
See? Charity and the holidays go hand-in-hand.
Supporting those in Need
This is why Tzedakah V’Chesed in Safed has undertaken the mighty project of feeding and clothing the poor of Tzfat as each holiday season in the Jewish Calandar arrives. Clothing, food packages and support vouchers all take the burden off the shoulders of parents who are struggling to keep their heads above water.
Mr. Sasson is bedridden due to an inoperable heart condition, and his wife cares for him around the clock. Unfortunately, disability stipends do not cover the family’s living expenses.
This April, (Nisan in the Jewish months) we found from their three daughters – all of whom study at Tzedakah V’Chesed – that Mrs. Sasson was planning dairy meals for Pesach, because they couldn’t afford meat. Then Mr. Sasson was hospitalized and Mrs. Sasson didn’t have time to prepare ANY meals.
Tzedakah V’Chesed arranged for them to receive all their Pesach needs. The Sassons had food for Pesach… and the happiness of knowing that people care about them. Truly a top Israeli charity.
What can I do?
Support Tzedakah V’Chesed because we are the lifeline of the community when we’re needed most. Your donation makes a direct impact on the thousands of chidlren, parents and impoverished individuals that would have no support without you.
All you have to do is click this link and support a family this Jewish holiday season.