(Click HERE for photos) The calendar indicates that it is time to celebrate a festival.  Tu B’Shevat has arrived and Masbia has once again decked its tables in honor of its patrons and guests.

Tu B’Shevat is the day when new sap starts to rise in the tree, when new life is starting to emerge. We are still in the middle of winter and all looks bleak, cold and lifeless, Amidst the drudgery, Tu B’Shevat comes – a day of new life with the promise of rejuvenation.

Everything may appear dismal. But even at that very moment, the sap is rising. On the surface, you can see no change whatsoever, but precisely at that moment, life secretly and inexorably starts to burgeon anew.

The Tu B’Shevat celebration at Masbia was a spectacular event.  The people gathered in throngs for a hearty meal that was enhanced with an array of exotic fruits.  Bursting with flavor and overflowing with taste the fruits were tart and tangy…sweet and succulent.  It was a taste fest sensation. In addition to the Sheva Minim, there were also trays of Guava, Papaya, Mango, Kumquat, Passion Fruit, Star Fruit, you name it…Masbia served it (We still can’t identify the spiky purple fruit.).

The sumptuous spread in honor of ROSH HASHANAH LE’ELONOS was sponsored by the generosity of R’ Shmiel Stefansky, of Dagim Fish.

A remarkable turn of events occurred involving R’ Shmiel.

It was Rosh Chodesh Av and he was enjoying the serenity of his summer home in the Catskill Mountains. Suddenly he was assaulted by the agonizing throes of chest pains.  The tranquility of his sanctuary was engulfed in turmoil.  Emergency medical action was taken and a helicopter was summoned to transport him to a trauma center.  Through the haze of pain he begged the paramedic to allow him to make a phone call.  With all the strength he could muster he put a call through to his brother. With his life hanging on by a thread he gasped into the receiver:  “Please, please don’t forget I promised Masbia to provide fish for the Nine Days.  Please make sure the delivery is made.”  He hangs up the phone and with a sigh of relief closes his eyes. His promise would be honored…remembered…fulfilled.

He had made a promise to Masbia. What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.  Not so with our friend, Mr. Stefansky. He is a man of his word…a promise made is a promise kept.

R’ Shmiel Stefansky is a long time friend of Masbia.  He is the quintessential “Chasid” because Gemilas Chasdim is essential to his life force.

It is with the support of such stalwart friends that Masbia continues to provide and its patrons continue to be the beneficiaries of the Masbia success story.

Judaism places great stress on the giving of charity to help the poor and hungry, The Hebrew word for charity – Tzedaka – literally means justice. In the Jewish tradition, Tzedaka is not an act of condescension from one person to another who is in need. It is the fulfillment of a Mitzvah.  It’s not the nice thing to do…it is a commandment that we are obligated and required to obey.

Can you imagine how desperate someone must be, if he scrambles through dumpsters looking for food?  What dire straits one must be subjected to if his only repast is the free coffee and cake he gets in Shul.

Rabbi Mordechai Mandlebaum and Rabbi Alexander Rappaport found this situation to be inconceivable.  They sincerely believed that you cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

And so the concept of the first Kosher Soup Kitchen evolved and Masbia was formed and fashioned.

The nonpareil dining experience Masbia offers at its home style “restaurant” qualifies it as a Home Away from Home.  A family can sit down, with dignity, to a hot meal, and have it served with a smile.  The only question remains…whose smile is bigger…the waiter’s or the dinner guest’s?

Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to Mr. Stefansky for his part in assuring that Tu B’Shevat at Masbia would be a resounding success.  The people came with empty stomachs and left with hearts full of joy. They came looking for a meal and found a bountiful banquet.  A kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and scents tantalized their senses and filled them with blissful delight.

They came with nothing and left with something of great value. We gave them food today…we gave them hope for tomorrow.

But the affair didn’t just happen by itself.  The price of success is dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.  Those are the key words that impel the Masbia sponsors, supporters and volunteers. Their energy is as boundless as their commitment. They believe in what they do…they stand behind it and that’s why their efforts are rewarded.

They have seen their vision come to fruition!

May we be Zoche to the time when all of humanity together with all of nature will  celebrate the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate Geulah.