vrijdag 30 maart 2012

Passover: A Time of Freedom and Food

Passover commemorates our freedom from slavery and the birth of the Jewish nation: A healthy, liberating experience for both body and soul!

Our ancient customs at the Seder and the special foods we eat – tell the amazing story of our freedom. And they help us to re-enact those precious moments of liberation, some 3300 years ago.


Marror (bitter herbs) remind us of the harshness and bitterness of slavery. Matzoh, the “poor man’s bread” that we ate as slaves, transforms itself, during the Seder, into the bread of redemption. The four cups of wine are drunk while reclining like kings – a royal beverage celebrating our newly found freedom.

Unfortunately, for impoverished families in Israel, Passover can be a time of stress, hunger and despair. When there’s no food on the holiday table, Passover is no longer a time of freedom. Tragically, it can be transformed into another experience of bondage, depression and despair.

What is Lemaan Achai?

Fortunately, there is an organization called “Lemaan Achai” (it’s meaning in Hebrew: “for the sake of my brethren“). And they certainly live up to their name.


Many people do not know that one out of every four families in Israel lives below the poverty line. And that one of every three kids in Israel suffers from “food deficiency”.

Passover is an especially costly time – buying matzoh, wine and other essential food for the entire seven-day holiday. For impoverished families, this extra burden can be impossible to bear. This is where Lemaan Achai steps in.

Why is Lemaan Achai Successful?


“Lemaan Achai” is a non-profit organization aiding poor families in the city of Bet Shemesh, Israel. What makes Lemaan Achai unique is its successful program to help Israel’s needy families survive and then get OUT of their crisis.

Lemaan Achai helps poor families to get back on their feet, through back-to-work programs, financial management counseling, and over twenty-five innovative and effective social services rehabilitation programs.

The Passover Aid Project


Lemaan Achai’s Passover Aid Project distributes direct aid to over one hundred and eighty impoverished families (over six hundred kids) who are participating in Lemaan Achai’s programs.

Many of the families that were helped last year are not on this year’s Passover “Aid List” – because they were brought back on their feet and no longer need charitable help.

Our Passover Appeal to You

Please support Lemaan Achai’s vital efforts on behalf of these families. We ask you to help provide for their Passover needs. For the sake of our brethren.

Source: unitedwithisrael.org

www.lemaanachai.org