US Council General to Jerusalem Donald Blome and members of his team participated in a visit to a matzah bakery together with Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush.

The group visited the Jerusalem Matzah bakery, also accompanied by Deputy Mayor Yossi Deutsch and the foreign desk liaison of Agudas Yisrael Aaron David Davis. A number of other consulate officials participated as well including Ms. Suzanne Balsam and Mr. Richard Bangan.

The began in the matzah bakery in the Beis Yisrael neighborhood of the capital and saw the baking along with a detailed explanation from Porush. He explained the matter of kneading the dough in a timely fashion and how once the flour and water are mixed the clock begins ticking until the finished product emerges from the oven, which we refer to on Pesach as “bread of affliction”.

Mr. Blome told his host that he found the process quite impressive, especially because he has participated in a seder in the past and was actually wondering how the matzos were made.

They continued down Meah Shearim Street, taking in the Pre-Pesach atmosphere and the bustling of the residents, all busied with yomtov preparations and shopping. The persons overseeing the distribution of packages to the needy ahead of yomtov explained that millions of dollars were raised ahead of yomtov to purchase the yomtov necessities to assist the many in need. This includes thousands of kilograms of apples, carrots, onions, and eggs. In addition, they give out thousands of bottles of wine, tens of thousands of boxes of matzos, 40,000 kg of meat, and over 1 million eggs.

Deputy Mayor Deutsch gave an overview to the guests regarding the extensive chessed organizations that exist in the chareidi community including the distribution of yomtov essentials before Pesach. Deutsch detailed the distribution they were observing would find its way to tens of thousands of families, some 120,000 people.

Consul General Blome asked why the major operation before Pesach, to which Deutsch explained in the haggadah an invitation is extended to all who are hungry – “כל דכפין ייתי וייכול כל דצריך ייתי ויפסח” as well as the paramount importance surrounding the fulfillment of the mitzvos of seder night.

The consulate officials’ warmly thanked their hosts for the unforgettable experience and the opportunity to familiarize themselves with chareidi life, especially these days. They agreed on continuing to cooperate with one another in the future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)