The grand opening yesterday of Masbia Restaurant, 4114 14th Avenue in Born Park; attracted the enthusiastic support of dozens of community Rabbcmim and lay supporters. Masbia is the Hebrew word for satiate.
Rather than establishing a traditional free soup kitchen, Masbia’s organizers opted to create a comfortable restaurant environment where those who are hungry or in need of a meal can come and be served by a professional waiter in a most dignified style.
The primary support for establishing Masbia was provided by Mr. Mordechai Mandelbaum, wh.o accepted the obligations of founder. Not only is Masbia designed to provide generous meals for needy men, but it is the hope that entire families or women with children will take advantage of the new eating establishment founded in order to alleviate hunger.
Currently, Masbia is open Sunday tough Thursday, from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Last week; prior to yesterday’s official grand opening, the free restaurant began serving meals alter posters publicizing the innovative soup kitchen were put up in all of the major Boro Park shuts.
Arrangements have been made for fresh, first quality food to be catered by Pinny’s Meal Mart, with daily menu changes. Those who come are given a choice of two soups, as well as fresh bread; and a main course that might be chicken or meat, served with a pasta side dish, vegetables and dessert.
All of the food is served by a professional waiter. At times, additional cake or tea is available in buffet style for the diners.
Organizers of Masbia told Hamodia yesterday that there are many individuals and families who cannot afford to eat properly. He declared, “Born Path has an obli_gation to feed its poor, hungry inhabitants.”
It is believed that Masbia is the only Orthodox soup kitchen in New York that operates on a daily basis. The motto of those supporting the new project is “Serving nourishing meals to all.”
In order to make the new free soup kitchen appealing to the hungry, the organizers made an effort to decorate Masbia in a manner that would make those who come there feel relaxed and dignified.
So far, Masbia is attracting many people who are currently unemployed, as well as meshulachim from Eretz Yisrael who regularly come to raise money for medical expenses, debts or their children’s chasunos.
One individual who came to Masbia told Hamodia, “You feel like you are in a real restaurant. The food is fresh and delicious; it makes you feel like you are a regular person, almost like you’re family. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
Readers interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities to support this wonderful mitzva can call (718) 972-4446.