Excitement is mounting in communities throughout Eretz Yisroel, as the Yom Tov spirit spills out of homes and stores, and pedestrians dodge esrog stalls and sukkahs in their quest to get everything they need for the eight-day festival. As shoppers hold on tight to their hard-earned shekels, some hold on to a different currency: their Mesamche Lev coupons. The coupons, redeemable for meat, poultry, and groceries, allow the poor to celebrate Yom Tov with joy. The tradition began many years ago, when Rabbi Zalman Ashkenazi first began distributing meat to the poor for Yom Tov. In recent years, it has mushroomed into a massive experience, and become part of the Tishrei landscape.

“I’ve been getting meat coupons for years,” says Chana P., a widow with nine children, who plans to redeem her coupons for her family’s Yom Tov meat on Monday. “It’s part of my family’s Yom Tov preparations. I pick up my meat in the afternoon, and at night, I put up a roast. The meat is a specialty for us. My children wait for this all year.”

Chana is not the only one to consider meat a specialty. Even poultry is a treat for families that struggle to put bread on the table. Some of the families cook just one half of a chicken for Shabbos; for the whole family to share. They have little else to eat. The families include widows, as well as Torah scholars, large families, and others who have no other way to prepare for Yom Tov. Mesamche Lev’s meat and grocery coupons relieve them of a heavy financial burden, and bring them great simchas Yom Tov.

Many recipient families have already redeemed their coupons. They’ve chosen from a selection of poultry and different cuts of meat; and picked up their packed boxes at one of several local butcher stores. The families “payed” for the meat with Mesamche Lev coupons sponsored by generous donors. The last recipients will receive their coupons and redeem them before Yom Tov.

Over half of the families are also redeeming generous grocery coupons worth hundreds of shekels that will allow them the rare joy of putting everything they need, from coffee to household basics, into their shopping carts.

In light of the recent cuts to funding for families with children, the Yom Tov distribution is more welcome than ever. Families who struggle mightily, and children who are often hungry, will have meat and food for Yom Tov. They will celebrate Sukkos in a spirit of joy and plenty. The distribution includes families from the entire spectrum of Torah Jewry. Sefardim join Ashkenazim, Chassidim mingle with Litvishe families; Yerushalmim stand together with American olim. Mesamche Lev brings simcha to life for all of them.

Mesamche Lev has been supporting widows ever since its inception. Currently, three hundred sixty eight widows in Eretz Yisroel receive checks that relieve them of the financial burden they carry, and allow them to focus on the great task of raising their children alone. The Yom Tov distribution goes a long way towards helping them bring joy into their orphaned children’s lives.

The organization’s largesse extends across the ocean, to one hundred twenty nine widows in the United States who are Mesamche Lev’s most recent beneficiaries. For the past few years, the organization has been helping American widows with great discretion, and helping almonos in the most dignified way possible; often without ever contacting them directly. The assistance fills a great void.

“I couldn’t bring myself to pick up the phone and ask for assistance,” wrote one New York widow upon her receipt of a large check from Mesamche Lev. “I was too proud and ashamed to accept tzedakah. Ultimately, the Avi Yesomim made sure to take care of my family.”

Mesamche Lev has long been the agent of the Avi Yesomim V’Dayan Almanos. The upcoming distribution is just one of many activities the organization undertakes to help widows and the poor. Right now, Mesamche Lev is already beginning preparations for its Pesach shoe distribution, where 42,000 children will receive brand new, top quality shoes. With shoe manufacturers already preparing for spring, Mesamche Lev must place its orders now – and pay a deposit of two hundred fifty thousand dollars! That, although the Tishrei distribution is barely in process.

With a budget of well over a million dollars, this week’s distribution represents not only a sampling of Mesamche Lev’s great work, but also the dedication and support of generous donors. Supporters can be assured that when they sponsor meat or grocery coupons, their tzedakah funds relieve the poor of a great burden, and earn them a great zechus in the Yemei Hadin. To make a tax-deductible contribution, send donations to Mesamche Lev; 1364 53^rd Street; Brooklyn, NY 11219. Donations can also be made by phone, at 718-506-1400; on online, at mesamchelev.org.

(YWN – Frimet Blum)