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On Sunday, December 9, the fifth day of Chanukah, Masbia hosted a festive Chanukah party, reaching out to share the Festival of Lights with friends and family in a warm, caring atmosphere.
How many times have you gone through a hectic day and suddenly realized you were famished because you had forgotten to eat? It’s an irritating feeling, but nothing compared to what a person feels when he hasn’t eaten because he doesn’t have enough food.
“There is enormous poverty in the Orthodox Jewish community. I didn’t know how bad it was until we opened,” declared Masbia’s Executive Director, Alexander Rappaport.
Since its inaugural meal, which was served in April 2005, Masbia’s staff has continued to feed the hungry and provide fellowship for the needy in our community, five nights a week, every week, with the greatest respect and dignity. The volunteers prepare nutritious, delicious meals with a generous and giving spirit.
For the Chanukah party, Masbia sent out 400 invitational flyers and assembled a committee of volunteers from Bais Rochel d’Satmar and Bnos Yakov d’Pupa — Chava Ruchela Neuman, Simi Neuman, Perry Rappaport, Esty Bluzenstein, Chana Sury Friedman and Sury Silber. They went to work preparing games, prizes, goody bags and arts-and-crafts activities. The plan was set…all that remained was for the action to begin.
The response exceeded Masbia’s wildest expectations. The hall was filled to the rafters with radiant faces — so many that staffers had to borrow more chairs and coat racks, and make an emergency run to the bake shop to replenish the supply of bagels and cookies. One volunteer remarked, “Next year, iy”H, we can’t prepare 50 pekelach — we’ll need at least 250!” Mr. Mordechai Mandlebaum, Masbia’s founder, gave Chanukah gelt — at least $20 each — to each adult present.
Mrs. Leah Forster performed a comedy routine that had the audience rolling. Afterward, Mrs. Forster told Masbia about a conversation she had had with one of her students, who was at the party. “We have no relatives living in New York,” the woman said. “My children had no parties… I couldn’t afford to buy them any presents… This is their party. Masbia made this a Chanukah they’ll never forget.”
It was an afternoon of thanksgiving and entertainment, with a heartwarming impact that was visible. One woman said, “I took two buses to get here. I traveled for more than two hours — but it was worth every minute.”
While one of our volunteers was helping a woman dress her four children, the lady quietly whispered, “I was so nervous about coming here. I was afraid of the stigma if anyone found out. But you are all so friendly and made me feel so comfortable, I know I’m welcome here … and I’ll be back.” Imagine the joy of the Masbia staff when the woman returned with her children later that evening for a hot and hearty supper! They felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment knowing that they had reached out to another “guest,” and were grateful for the zechus of being able to emulate Hashem’s chessed and live up to the organization’s name.
Masbia’s reputation has spread far and wide. Representatives of neighboring districts, and even from other states, have approached Mr. Rappaport to ask his advice and request his assistance in opening up Masbia restaurants in their communities. Masbia and askanim of various neighborhoods are now actively looking for donors to furnish and equip new soup kitchens in Flatbush, Williamsburg and Baltimore.
We appreciate the generosity of our donors, friends and benefactors. May Hashem shower many blessings upon all of you and your families.