Maos Chitim A few weeks ago I wrote regarding the opportunity for Matanos L’evyonim in our community and the response was heartwarming; once again we were able to distribute about $25,000 to local needy families on Purim. Today I am writing on behalf of the Miami Kosher Ko Op that is currently processing over 500 Pesach orders. The Ko Op offers food at full, reduced, and no cost depending on individual family need. The vast majority of the families we help are hard working but simply cannot afford the high cost of Pesach items. In other words, left to their own resources, their Pesach budget would be severely limited. There are also those who, for one reason or another, are unable to provide for their families. Just a few days ago a rabbi in our community approached me to ask what can be done for a family consisting of a single mother and several children who have literally no funds to buy food for Pesach. This rabbi asked me to help him raise the necessary funds for this family – to which I happily obliged. Unfortunately, this isn’t a unique case. Earlier in the week I was approached by someone in the community who is friendly with a family that is basically homeless. They aren’t literally on the street, but they suffered devastating financial setbacks and are “crashing” with local relatives. Even worse, they are feeling pretty despondent over the fact they are unable to support themselves. It is for these types of situations that the Helping Hands Kosher Ko Op was formed. Many of the families we help receive their food free of charge as they are totally impoverished. While the other members of the Ko Op either receive some subsidization or none at all, the beauty is that no one – except for the Ko-Op administration – knows who’s paying and who isn’t; thereby preserving each families’ dignity. If you can support our efforts in helping other families make Pesach it would be deeply appreciated. The Torah promises that when we take care of Hashem’s children he will take care of us and our families. Wishing all of you a Chag Kosher V’Sameach. Yitzy Zweig
