Support sought for food boxes
By KAPLAN TUTTLEBAUM
article created on: 2010-03-01T00:00:00
This year, more than ever: As we prepare for Passover, make sure those in need can truly celebrate this Festival of Freedom.
That’s the message of this year’s Maot Chittin—“Money for Wheat”—drive, coordinated by Michael Rosenberg and Congregation Kesser Israel in conjunction with Jewish Family and Child Services, with support from The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, and other congregations, groups and individuals.
“We are expecting at least 85 requests from Jewish Family and Child Services alone,” said Rosenberg. That’s up from 70 requests last year, and doesn’t include additional community requests.
He estimates this year’s total cost will range between $4,200-$5,000, or about $50 for a food box that includes everything needed for a Seder meal, and supplies for the rest of the week as well. Last year’s cost was $3,500.
Maot Chittin, or “Money for Wheat,” also known as Kimcha dePischah or ‘Flour for Pesach,’ for baking the matzahs—is one of the oldest Passover mitzvahs. Throughout the centuries, communities have come together to ensure that all have enough to celebrate the holiday with joy.
“There is a Talmudic teaching that ‘those who have plenty, give—and those who do not have enough, receive,’” said Kesser Israel’s Rabbi Kenneth Brodkin. “This means that if people aren’t able to give help at Passover, they should accept it. We cannot enjoy this festival of freedom if we know that our neighbors are hungry and in need.”
He emphasized that Maot Chittin donations are in addition to the tzedakah that people give during the year. “Though we may give generously the rest of the year, during Pesach we have to make sure that no one is going hungry.”
“This is such an important mitzvah, and we are happy to be part of it,” said Marian Fenimore, JFCS director.
Rosenberg originally organized the project some 15 years ago by in cooperation with the now-disbanded Jewish Boy Scout troop. The Passover Food program last year made its first appeal for support to the general community since requests for aid had increased so markedly. This year, with more than a 20 percent increase in requests, community support is more important than ever, Rosenberg noted.
Think of the scale: At least 850 pounds of potatoes, 425 pounds of matzah, 255 pounds of apples, 225 dozen eggs, gefilte fish, horseradish, candy bars, 85 whole frozen kosher chickens—and at least 85 Haggadahs. All loaded, transported to the Robison Jewish Health Center, packed and distributed throughout the metropolitan area—in one day.
With more than 85 deliveries—ranging from Gresham to Beaverton and Tigard to North Portland—Rosenberg said drivers are especially needed. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact him at michael@cashcoloan.com or 503-519-2454. Assembly and delivery will be Sunday, March 21.
“Every donation—whether of money or time—is very much appreciated and very much needed,” he said.
Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Congregation Kesser Israel, PO Box 80811, Portland, OR 97280, and “Maot Chittim” or “Passover Food Boxes” should be noted in the memo line. Any donations over cost will be used by JFCS for additional emergency food help.
