Facing the holidays alone: Supporting Families in Need

As Pesach nears, Jewish people all over the world take the time to reflect and rejoice in the gift of freedom and family togetherness. Israel has been at war for 6 months and many families are still displaced by the current situation. Many widows and orphans grieve the loss of loved ones and soldiers are being drafted far away from home. Other communities, like new immigrants, are facing financial difficulties that have worsened due to the war. Now, more than ever, the true meaning of Pesach takes on a new form as our hearts reach out to Israeli families and communities who are not fortunate enough to enjoy this festive holiday.

Many people, mostly women and children, will be celebrating this holiday with an empty seat at the table. One such family is Sharon’s. Sharon lost her husband on October 7th. For the first time, she and her two young children will be sitting at the Seder alone.

What will Pesach be like for them this year?
Saying Mah Nishtanah (the Four Questions)… without Daddy.
Stealing Afikomen (Portion of Matzah)… without Daddy.
Breaking Matzot in two… whilst their hearts are breaking inside.

Will they feel the joy this Pesach?

If there is one thing that Sharon shouldn’t have to worry about this year, it’s delicious food for a Yom Tov (holiday) meal.

For this family, this holiday will be marked by loss, financial hardship, and stress. Sharon’s story is only one example of the challenges faced by many of those in Israel during these difficult times of war.

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit is committed to responding to this current crisis and is launching a special donation to make sure that no family or individual has to celebrate this Pesach alone. Our Pesach in a Box initiative demonstrates the collective resilience and compassion inherent in our Jewish culture. This donation program strives to support over 300,000 people this year, so families like Sharon’s, soldiers, displaced families, widows, and orphans across Israel, can celebrate and observe this coming Pesach holiday with a sense of spirit and unity.

Our Pesach in a Box packages are packed with essential items for a traditional Seder meal, such as matza, grape juice, oil, chicken, and canned goods – essentials a family needs to create a special Pesach meal. These boxes represent more than just providing essential items for those in need, they send these families a message of support, warmth, and unity – a thoughtful way of telling them that they are not alone. During this challenging time, communities facing difficulties due to the war should not have to carry the burden of Pesach preparations and also make sure there is enough money to feed their families.

This Pesach, let us come together to bring the spirit of Pesach to every household. We invite you to take part in this meaningful cause and to make sure that every table is filled with warmth, hope, and delicious food. Your support can make an important difference in their lives and help to transform loneliness into love and unity. Our Pesach in a Box packages allow families like Sharon’s to feel cared for so they can celebrate with more ease and joy.

Join us in making a difference today, and help these families experience a meaningful Pesach.