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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. The days leading up to Passover can be stressful and costly as Jewish families head out to local grocery stores to shop for various kosher food items for their Passover Seder. One annual event at the Pleasantville Community Synagogue has eliminated this process for those who are in need.
Theres a lot of people out there that due to various circumstances are unable to go out and get their items or dont have the economic means to do so, said Susan Netburn. This drive is a way to help them out.
Each year, Netburn and a group of members from the synagogue participate in a food drive through a regional organization called Project Ezra. The independent organization provides food and services for elderly Jewish individuals living in the lower east side of Manhattan. Every year, the synagogue in Pleasantville asks members of the synagogue to donate various kosher food items to the drive. The synagogue then coordinates with the Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff where the items are packaged and delivered to the homes of the elderly.
The food collected for the drive includes items such as matzo, gefilte fish and canned fruits and vegetables. Netburn said there is a small window of preparing for the drive due to the availability of the food.
We try to start planning and organizing for the event as soon as the Passover food is made available in the grocery stores, which is typically late February, Netburn said.
The nature of the organization and food drive goes directly in line with the spirit of the holiday season, Netburn said.
Its always important during the holidays to not only think about your family but also those people who are less fortunate as well, she said.
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