We are living in unprecedented times – and Lakewood’s chessed proved to be unprecedented as well.
By now, Tomchei Shabbos has delivered a full stock of food for Pesach – Matza, wine, meat, chicken, fruits and vegetables, snacks and more – to over 1,800 homes in Lakewood, Jackson and Toms River. Some 600 of these families reached out for help within the past three weeks- through the final days – as their finances were turned upside down as a result of Corona. They simply could not afford the most basic Pesach necessity – food.
The logistics and costs of adding so many families at the last minute – amidst a historic pandemic – was by far the greatest challenge that Tomchei Shabbos has faced in its over 30 years of existence.
But Lakewood came through. Mi K’amcha Yisroel!
While just about everyone is themselves hurting financially, yidden from throughout the Lakewood region and throughout the country stepped up. Yidden went well beyond their comfort zones, even dipping into their savings accounts, to make sure that – crisis or not – everyone in the kehillah will have proper food in their homes on Pesach.
“This is a kiddush Hashem of monumental proportions, a bright ray of light during a dark time,” says Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Trainer of Tomchei Shabbos. “Our appreciation to the kehillah knows no bounds. In this zechus, may all of Klal Yisroel enjoy a beautiful Yom Tov!”
As a recipient of Tomchei Shabbos, I stand in awe. We did not know where to turn. As soon as we unpacked the cases of food we were given, my children were amazed and saying wow,”How did we get so much food”. All I could answer was we won a Pesach food lottery!!! Many many thanks to all of you and may you and your families be Zoiche to Brochos Ad Bli Dai!!! Thanks so much again!! With all the food I don’t know where to begin!! Thank you!! Shefa beyond our dreams!!