Pesach is always a busy time for everybody. Some are making sure they'll have enough food to entertain hundreds of guests all week round. Others have just finished building a complete new "Pesach Kitchen". Others - not so lucky, have only been able to purchase a new dishwasher to make the week a little easier.
But then there are yet others, who don't have a proper table to eat on. Together with an assortment of dishes that are smashed, their landlord's rickety table gave in (just after being "fixed") together with the once in-good-condition dishes.
It's not a problem for the landlord. When the time is right, he'll sort out his table and claim his apartment back. But for the family that lives inside, they are left wondering if their leaning on Pesach will actually fulfill the obligation - when with their leaning on the already leaning table, they will actually be sitting straight up! Or perhaps they can fulfill their obligation by simply sitting up - as they'll definitely be leaning!
Their table will well be fulfilling its obligation to lean this Pesach, and if broken has anything to do with exile - their dishes are well on their way to the start! But what will be for them during Pesach - let alone the first night Seder? What will be for them living in a home with a broken table until the next Pesach? They certainly cannot place any dishes on an already leaning table. They'll just slide off and break - again!
Pesach is a time to reconsider what each of us actually has - and to consider that there are still many that don't. Giving at this time of the year can make the difference to the one receiving - but it also makes a difference to the one giving. Their giving acknowledges their feelings that redemption and freedom are and should be important for all of us. There is no monopoly for one Jewish family to be "free" while another must do with out.
Here is you chance to make the difference for a family in great need. They don't have their own basic furniture - but years after marriage - still make use of old and broken furniture belonging to a landlord - who sits this Pesach in his own home - with the freedom he has been blessed with. This family could never dream of beginning to own their own furniture - let alone their own home.
Make a difference in their lives this Pesach - at least to give them the opportunity to own their own table and appropriate chairs. Make a generous donation to assist them and help them to get onto their feet - this Pesach - this year!
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