Seder night is the most family-oriented event of the year. As a consequence, those who do not have families with which to share the Seder feel the absence more intensely on Seder night than any other time of the year.
In recent years, I have solicited funds for Em Habanim, an organization that deals with single parents and their children, prior to Pesach and Rosh Hashanah. Almost all of the mothers are divorcees, and many are ba'alot teshuva -- often with little or no familial support system.
Malka Yarom, who runs Em Habanim, is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She is a crippled, former school teacher, who started the organization when she noticed that many of those who responded to her offers of Shabbos hospitality posted in Sha'arei Tzedek Hospital were single mothers. As she heard about the problems that are unique to divorced women -- even compared to widows who are usually integrated into a community and the beneficiaries of a good deal of support -- she decided to start an organization for them.
Em Habanim's Seder this year for two hundred mothers and children and other activities during the week of Pesach will cost around $34,000. It's a good cause.
Checks may be sent to:
LeChaim Charities
P.O. Box 258
Monsey, NY 10952-0258
Tax ID 06-1662346
Credit card payments in shekalim or dollars can be made via the Em Habanim websitewww.emhabanim.org or by calling the office 02-651-7221
Tizku L'Mitzvos and Chag Kasher ve'Sameach,
Jonathan