Pesach is a holiday of familiar sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes.  Many of us can easily conjure up the image of friends and family sitting around the Seder table, reciting the Haggadah and singing beloved Seder melodies. And the smells of chicken soup, kneidlach, slow-cooked brisket, and gefilte or Moroccan fish all evoke memories. 

But for those in need, Pesach is not necessarily a happy time. They dread the weeks building up to the holiday, knowing that they cannot possibly purchase enough Pesach staples to last the entire chag. Many are left with the choice between buying matza and wine or paying the rent or a utility bill.

For the Givat Sharett Chesed Committee, the pre-Pesach weeks bring a flurry of activity, as we try to secure funding to assist those in greatest need.  Our annual Pesach/Maot Chittin campaign allows mothers, fathers, singles, the elderly, and single parents to have a little relief from financial worries, by providing food coupons and basic necessities to more than 1,000 families and individuals in Beit Shemesh.

In addition, our organization is privileged to sponsor a Pesach Seder for seniors who reside at Hostel Gil HaZahav in Beit Shemesh. These residents, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, are able to come together to enjoy the spirit of Pesach in a warm atmosphere.

Please join us in assisting those who cannot afford Pesach essentials for themselves and their families.  By pooling together the involvement of our corporate sponsors and your help, we can create wonderful Pesach memories for all our city’s residents.