We say it, but do we really mean it? Do we open our doors and invite the poor and hungry to
join us?
This year, Meir Panim is again running its hugely successful “Kulam Be’Seder” program – a
program that matches needy families and individuals with a volunteer host family for Seder
night. Last year, Meir Panim made 3,000 matches for Seder night, in an effort to ensure that all
who are hungry can truly come and eat at a warm and friendly Seder.
“It is especially meaningful to be able to help people in need by inviting them to our Seder
table,” said David Roth, AFMP President.
In addition, Meir Panim is hosting Seders for those in need in locations around the country,
including Dimona, where 150 people will be attending.
For those who would rather celebrate in their own homes, Meir Panim will distribute special
holiday food shopping cards. Passover is a particularly hard time for many families and
individuals, with the high price of kosher-for-Passover food making it almost impossible for
those already in reduced circumstances. The prepaid card looks like a regular credit card.
Recipients can choose whatever foods and household goods they want, and then ‘pay’ like
regular customers at the check-out counter.
And for those unable to shop for themselves, such as elderly Holocaust survivors and the
disabled homebound, Meir Panim will deliver holiday food baskets, filled with premium
items such and meat, wine, fish and fresh produce in addition to matzah and other Passover
necessities.
Meir Panim’s Seders, Shopping Cards, and Food Baskets are intended to provide the poor not
only with food, but also the dignity to celebrate the holiday of freedom.
Let us hope that this Passover, all who are hungry will be able to come and eat.