The two special obligations of Purim – mishloach manot (food baskets) and matanot l’evyonim (gifts to
the poor) – are at the very heart of what Meir Panim does every day. So it is no surprise that Meir
Panim, which literally means “lighting up faces,” takes this joyous holiday very seriously. What better
time to light up faces than on a holiday where we are instructed to be happy?

To ensure that happiness, Purim celebrations were organized for the children and their families in all of the Meir Panim After-School Youth Clubs. Meir Panim distributed hundreds of Purim costumes – to each and every child in its network of youth clubs that needed one. No child had to worry about not being able to afford a costume.

The Or Akiva youth club hosted a Purim party for ALL children and families in the city. More than 600 people attended the festivities, which included music, costumes, face painting, rides, shows, and of course, delicious treats!

But Purim is not just for children. All of the Free Restaurants were colorfully decorated, and hosted Purim parties complete with music and holiday delicacies. Seudot – festive meals – were served at each location so that Meir Panim patrons would have a place to attend and eat for the holiday.

Meir Panim distributed mishloach manot to diners in all of the restaurants, to children in all of the youth clubs, to soldiers, the elderly, and to patients in hospitals. In all, over 2800 packages were distributed.

Thank you for helping us light up faces this Purim!