Purim is one of the most joyful days of the Jewish calendar, and at Meir Panim, we aim to share the spirit of the holiday with our patrons and the community as much as possible. This holiday is particularly close to our hearts as it closely aligns with our mission and the spirit of giving, both to those in need, and neighbors and loved ones.

At Meir Panim branches this year, we had the opportunity to collaborate with partners all over the country to bring the joy and spirit of the holiday to those less fortunate. Here are some of the highlights from each of our branches:

In Sderot, teens from our Neighborhood Youth Centers came together with youth clubs from around the city to pack Mishloach Manot (food packages) for isolated senior citizens. They, as always, used their time together for a purpose, always with a smile!

In Jerusalem, we had giving upon giving! Once again, Meir Panim received a generous donation from the DLA Piper law firm for all of the Hamantaschen in our Mishloach Manot packages, which were packed up by a group of students from Australia on a gap-year program. 

In Dimona, our branch hosted several (in person!) events to brighten the holiday for the whole community; a Purim party for our Holocaust Survivor Day Center participants, a street party with music and treats for both patrons and local community members, and a Seudah meal for a group of employees at a workplace for special needs employees. 

In Tiberias, where we have been providing for many new Ukrainian refugees, our staff and volunteers packed with love not only Mishloach Manot but also key supplies to help launch their new lives and ease the burden of the difficult journey here.

In Tzfat, we hosted high school volunteers from a local school who helped pack Mishloach Manot for residents and took the time to deliver them as well to isolated seniors who may have difficulty coming into the branch.

In Or Akiva, Purim provides an opportunity to care for those who care for others year-round, and in a now-tradition, the team delivered Mishloach Manot packages to school security guards. Additionally, staff and volunteers visited a school for kids with special needs and provided a festive Purim celebration with particular sensitivity. Many of these students cannot comfortably attend larger scale Purim celebrations, especially those with loud noises or bright lights, and Meir Panim made sure that they would have a positive and fun time during the holiday as well. 

Every day, Meir Panim provides for thousands in need across the country, but on a holiday like Purim, which is meant to be so joyous, it is extra special to give back and share the joy with those less fortunate. Thank you to our supporters around the world who made this possible!