If this event is like last year’s, fans and supporters are in for a great night of music and Izzy’s Smokehouse BBQ, as rapper-turned Chassidic star, Nissim Black, performs on the Jersey Shore, on Thursday July 18th, to raise money for Jerusalem-based charity: Pantry Packers. The organization offers a popular volunteer experience, which has become one of the most talked about volunteer activities, especially for bar/bat mitzvah projects. It’s run by Colel Chabad, the oldest continuously operating network of social services in Israel, established in 1788. Hundreds of families, who want to help those in need, have partnered with the organization.
To celebrate his bar mitzvah, Jack Hamui ran an online food drive through Pantry Packers for the needy, and raised over $700 for the Jerusalem charity (giveback.pantrypackers.org). The family was welcomed to Pantry Packers on a recent trip to Israel, where Jack was honored to hang his plaque of recognition on the simcha wall, joining the growing list of bar and bat mitzvah celebration partners.
The family also packed 250 bags of food, distributed to the needy all around the country. The volunteer experience has become a must on Israel itineraries, with family members of all ages able to help give back to others in a fun and meaningful way.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are a very special time in the lives of young adults, but can be emotional and challenging for those who have lost a loved one. That’s why Colel Chabad and the Chessed Menachem Mendel program work tirelessly, and spare no expense, when they make their annual simcha, for over a hundred bar-mitzvah aged orphans, one full of joy and love.
“When it comes to celebrating happy occasions, it is a challenge for those who have lost a parent, and it is often a comfort to be alongside others who have experienced similar loss,” explained Rabbi Sholom Duchman, Director of Colel Chabad.
At the recent celebration in Jerusalem, David Edelstein, David Shaab and Joey Savdie were among the honored guests, as 120 boys, most of whom had lost their fathers, received their tallit and tefillin and aliya l’torah at the Kotel, followed by a gala celebration.
“It feels good to do something for these kids who have lost so much,” said David Edelstein. “They are our brothers and sisters and we have to take care of them.”
Joey Savdie marveled at all the help that Colel Chabad offers, including day care centers, schools, hospitals, and social workers. “It’s amazing,” he said, adding, “It’s not a small little charity; Colel Chabad does so many things.”
“The breadth of what Colel Chabad does, not just for these boys, but for their families and the community is inspiring,” said Maurice Ades, who attended with his 13 yea old son, Ness. “I think it is so important for children to see what it means to give to others.”
Colel Chabad works year-round to help more than 10,800 needy families in 48 municipalities through a series of projects designed to provide nutritious food and staples.
Partnering with Israel’s Ministry of Welfare, Colel Chabad manages Israel’s National Food Security Program, helping families with not only food and basic necessities, but also with health and budgeting programs to help dig themselves out of poverty.
A visit to the Beis Finger Rehabilitation Center was one of the highlights of the recent Chesed Mission lead by Rabbi Naftali Besser of Yeshivah of Flatbush. Located in the center of Jerusalem, the facility is home to 35 young residents suffering from multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders, offering them a place to thrive and contribute to the betterment of their lives and the community.
“It means so much to see how Pantry Packers isn’t just a one-time experience for the global Jewish community, and especially for our supporters in New York,” said Director of Volunteering, Rabbi Menachem Traxler. “All of our volunteers have dedicated themselves to the cause of helping others and feeding the poor, and it’s a testament to the values of this community. We look forward to seeing them back with Nissim at the Jersey Shore this summer!”
To find out more about Pantry Packers and for tickets to the concert visit pantrypackers.org/deal.
