It is Yom Tov night in Eretz Yisroel. The streets are serene and quiet, and in spite of the lockdown that has made this Erev Sukkos so different than last, the sound of Kiddush rings out from sukkahs large and small, in the streets and on nearly every mirpeset above. The words “Shehecheyanu” are more poignant, more heartfelt than usual – and in some sukkahs, are accompanied by tears as families remember those who didn’t survive the year.

Despite the pain, there is a palpable excitement in several hundred sukkos – for the children are anticipating a seudah the likes of which they enjoy just twice a year, on Pesach and on Sukkos. They are the children of Mesamche Lev.

Mesamche Lev has just concluded its bi-annual distribution, where meat, poultry and grocery coupons reached thousands of families, including close to seven hundred widows and over four thousand orphans in Eretz Yisroel. Some two dozen widows in Eretz Yisroel are new to the distribution; coronavirus has catapulted them into the painful realities of loss and poverty. For them, being included in the distribution was a huge relief, because it allowed them to prepare a bountiful Yom Tov, even in the face of incredible grief.

Even for Mesamche Lev’s “regular” families, including families of bnei Torah, and other aniyim, the distribution was more crucial than ever. Coronavirus has devastated the economy, and many families have been living hand-to-mouth for months.

The distribution was a half – year long in the making, with the organization sparing no effort or expense in making it come about. For, as Reb Zalman Ashkenazi, zatzal, the tzaddik who founded the organization said, “we must take care of the almonos and yesomim.” In addition to widows and orphans, thousands of poor families and bnei Torah received assistance that allowed them to prepare a plentiful yom tov.

This year’s Tishrei distribution was remarkable. Mesamche Lev set up a staggered system that enabled families to safely pick up their meat and poultry, in several locations. Many families also received hundreds of shekels in grocery coupons, redeemable at local stores.

In addition to the meat and groceries, nearly seven hundred widows in Eretz Yisroel received large checks which allowed them to buy clothing, shoes, and yom tov necessities for their families. As in recent years, Mesamche Lev’s distribution reached closer to home, with the organization mailing generous checks to nearly three hundred widows in the United States.

The number is much higher than last year. COVID 19 taking away a tremendous number of young husbands and fathers, leaving grief-stricken widows and orphans in its wake. Mesamche Lev responded to the crisis - by issuing checks to close to 200 new widows between the US and Israel. The checks for the widows went a long way towards helping families purchase much-needed clothing and other basics for Yom Tov.

The Tishrei distribution is Mesamche Lev’s second-largest annual project, with major assistance reaching the poor in just a few short days. This, at the same time that the organization prepares the 28,000 pairs of shoes to be distributed before Pesach. The rabbanim of Eretz Yisroel and the United States are effusive in their praise of Mesamche Lev.

“The almonos tell me how much they wait for Mesamche Lev’s envelope,” said one prominent rav in the US. “It gives them such joy to be able to buy clothing for their children; to make them feel that at least in this area, they are no different than their friends. It gives them chizuk.” The Tishrei distribution is part of a major network of programs that includes a massive Pesach distribution, the famed annual shoe distribution, an orphan wedding fund, and much more.

Those who join Mesamche Lev play a major role in relieving the pain of those who suffer from the devastation wrought by coronavirus, as well as those struggling with “regular” poverty. The donors merit the blessings of the many Gedolei Yisroel and rabbonim who know the organization’s work firsthand, and bless those who donate with a year of life, health and parnassah.

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