Citing the high rate of unemployment and the growing financial despair in the Orthodox Jewish community, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) has called upon kosher food distributors to keep prices for this year’s Pesach items at a minimum.
In a letter sent to the CEOs of leading kosher food companies, Hikind wrote, “Many of our brethren are in a state of fear and anxiety, uncertain how they will afford the costly Pesach expenses. Together we can alleviate the distress of our Jewish brothers.”
Hikind noted that although Pesach is still four weeks away, his office has already seen an influx of constituents asking for assistance in obtaining food vouchers and referrals to Pesach food pantries. “We are living in precarious financial times,” Hikind remarked. “People literally don’t know how they will put their next meal on the table, let alone manage to pay for all the Pesach necessities. I am trying to ease that stress.”
Local community organizations which offer food and financial assistance are also feeling the pinch of the economic crisis. Confronted with a drastic reduction in private donations and government grant monies, current organizational resources available to the community are considerably less than in previous years. “Every year at our Sedarim we recite, ‘whoever is hungry, let him come and eat [with us],’” said Hikind. “I am trying to ensure that no one will be hungry this Pesach or be forced to rely on the kindness of strangers.”
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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5 Responses
This isn’t a socialist system.
The way to force prices down is to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables (i.e. kosher le pesach items that do not require a special hecksher, and can be bought from anywhere), and cut back on the prepared foods that are expensive to manufacture.
If we lived like our ancestors, it would be cheaper. The current depression is a good occasion to get un-spoiled.
For once I can agree with the person named above.
The valid point made by #1 must be extended to the entire year. Eliminate waste, repair instead of replace, eat less exotic hence less expensive food, and cut out bottled beverages including water. That’s hardly a prescription for an untimely demise!
great post #1
This year in response to the economy, Reismans Pesach Bakery is selling its cake to all stores at a 15% discount off of last years prices.
We hope that this will help alleviate the stress of Pesach from many families.
Have a Chag Kosher Visameach!