Here in Israel we are on lockdown, can’t go over a block away, in any direction, except for supermarket/pharmacy/doctor. 

As we all know, this is a time that happens once in an era, and it calls for unique efforts.

So, this small land of Israel is in turmoil. Israel Relief Aid is stepping up to help.  Currently we have a project of packing food bags (which are kosher for Passover) and will be delivered to poverty-stricken families in Bat Yam.

Meir, a middle-age autistic adult (he is able to speak but still needs daily oversight), lives at home with his senior mother and his sister Mayan in the central district of Israel, west of Jerusalem.  Mayan, Meir’s older sister is partially handicapped for a few years now. 

As reported in Times of Israel on 3/17/20, the Health Ministry announced widespread new restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus, requiring Israelis not to leave their homes unless for essential needs.

With the proliferation of the coronavirus, the elderly and poor of Israel are feeling isolated and even more vulnerable than usual.

Every Israeli homemaker knows what happens after Purim . . . “spring cleaning”!  The real and symbolic cleaning that is done for Passover is the deepest possible cleaning.  Cleaning everything that hasn’t been cleaned for a year.  As we are cleaning, our minds connect what we are doing to the meaning of the holiday – that there won’t be any spot of unleavened bread anywhere. 

Coronavirus

We’ve been affected by the coronavirus!  Since China is a dominant country in the container shipping industry, the virus has affected global container shipping, and that includes our containers. 

This synopsis comes from the Hebrew book of Esther wherein it says that the Hebrews had splendor and merriment, exultation and triumph. . .“ 

Israel Relief Aid was asked to help one of the communities in Haifa to celebrate the Purim holiday including gifts to children in of the worst poverty-stricken areas.  Purim gifts and a holiday party are never something that impoverished kids get . . . sad!