Purim A Day of Joy, Unity, and Kindness

Purim is one of the most joyous festivals on the Jewish calendar. It celebrates the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther. On this day we remember how through courage, faith and hidden miracles, we were saved and what could have been a day of mourning and destruction turned into celebration and festivities.

Purim is a day filled with mitzvot (commandments and acts of kindness) that uplift both the spirit and the community. We read the Megillah, hear Esther’s story of bravery, give mishloach manot and matanot la’evyonim, gifts to those in need, and share a festive meal (seudah) with family, friends, and neighbors. Purim reminds us that every person deserves to feel joy, belonging, and dignity.

As we prepare for this special day, our hearts turn particularly toward those in our community who carry extra burdens. For widows and orphans, those whose lives have been marked by loss, the joy of Purim can be harder to experience. This year, with the help of our supporters, we aim to bring the spirit of Purim into the homes of 400 widows and approximately 1,800 orphans.

Empowering Families with Dignity

Instead of sending prepackaged food baskets, we are providing each family with food vouchers. These vouchers allow them to select the foods they prefer and prepare their own Purim seudah, a choice that preserves dignity, honors tradition, and allows personal expression of celebration.

Additionally, we are providing each family with matanot la’evyonim to ensure that they can fully observe this vital mitzvah. These families will not only have a festive meal; they will feel seen, supported, and included in the joy of the day, exactly as Purim is intended.

When the Dollar Doesn’t Go as Far

This year, we’ve also faced challenges that many donors may not fully realize. Over the past year, the Israeli shekel has strengthened significantly against the U.S. dollar. While this may sound like positive economic news, it has a real impact on our ability to provide for families in need here in Israel.

For example, in October 2024 the shekel was worth 3.79 and today it’s worth 3.09. This means that the same $100 gift now buys about 18.5% less in Israeli shekel value than it did just 2 years ago.

Because food, formula, and household essentials in Israel are priced in shekels, a stronger shekel means donations have reduced impact in purchasing the same items. The cost of providing a full food basket and importantly, a dignified Purim experience has risen by roughly 25%.

Our sponsor’s generosity has not changed, but the value of each dollar has. That makes each sponsor now even more meaningful.

Bringing Purim’s Spirit to Every Home

Purim is a holiday of courage, joy, and giving. Just as Queen Esther and Mordechai’s bravery transformed fear into celebration, every act of kindness can turn hardship into hope. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 400 widows and 1,800 orphans will celebrate Purim with dignity and joy. Every gift brings the mitzvot of Purim, celebration, giving to those in need, and sharing in community to life, letting hidden miracles bloom into open joy in every home.