What is interesting is how our rabbis prompt us to think about the advent of this month. Rabbi Gedalia Schwartz identifies that in the Shulchan Aruch, the major code of Jewish law, the first Halacha (or law) mentioned by the Rama is not regarding some of the minutia of Pesach (Passover) that one might expect. Instead, the first requirement, the first obligation related to Pesach is that a community must collect funds for "Maot Chittin," a fund that would support the poor in their preparations for Passover.
Rabbi Schwartz goes on to say that God’s role in the Egyptian drama conveys God’s will to rescue the weak and vulnerable. Those in a position of strength are mandated to protect and support those who are most endangered – the widow, the orphan, the stranger.
We at Anshe Emet take this mitzvah seriously. We have multiple groups of people who participate in Chicago’s own Maot Chitim, celebrating 100 years of giving to Chicagoland Jews, as we help deliver Kosher for Passover food for members of our community who are unable to secure it on their own. Many of the recipients originally come from the Former Soviet Union. For me and many others, this volunteer opportunity allows us a chance to hear about what it was like to move to the United States, what their experience is in our community, and to determine how we can continue to be supportive of those in our community who need our help. Our arrival is eagerly anticipated and we are traditionally greeted with bright smiles, and thanked with a bar of chocolate! To be a part of this effort, please contact Amy Karp at akarp@anshemet.org. She can provide you with the address where we'll be meeting Sunday, March 29th at 9:30 a.m.
If you are unable to volunteer this Sunday, we have additional opportunities to fulfill our communal obligation to support those in need as they prepare for Pesach. Stacey Wolin is leading an effort in our community to support those in need at this time of year, by collecting:
- Donations of non-food items which are not covered by SNAP benefits: paper towels, kleenex, napkins, dish sponges, dish soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, ziploc style bags and aluminum foil.
- Donations of a gift card from Jewel or Hungarian Kosher.
One mother who received a gift card said, "... For the 1st time I can go shopping with my kids like everyone else, and no one knows how we are struggling to feed our kids and provide them with the basics. With your beloved gift cards, we can now shop and hold our heads up high." If you would like to contribute to this important mitzvah, please be in touch with Stacey Wolin at staceyella@aol.com
Thank you for making this month of Nisan a time when we can enable all in our community to celebrate the season of freedom.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David Russo
