5th Graders Send Purim Treats to Soldiers and Inmates
While they might not be ready to join the army just yet, Rabbi Mordechai Lichy’s class of fifth grade boys is still trying to be all that they can be.
Enrolled at the Hebrew Academy of Margate, Fla., the 19 fifth graders joined Lichy at the Aleph Institute, a Chabad-Lubavitch organization in nearby Bal Harbour that serves the needs of Jewish military personnel and prisoners. Their mission? To prepare traditional gift baskets for Jewish inmates and soldiers around the world in time for the upcoming holiday of Purim.
Known in Hebrew as shalach manot, the packages of food are traditionally sent to friends and family as part of the four customary observances of Purim, which commemorates the nullification thousands of years ago of a Persian decree to wipe out the empire’s Jews.
“We’ve been doing this for years,” said Lichy. “The boys love the idea that they’re helping a soldier who is fighting for our freedom and way of life in some forsaken corner of the world. They worked very hard and cooperated beautifully. They were just magnificent.”
Rabbi Mendy Katz, director of prison and military outreach at the Aleph Institute, says the boys’ work is greatly appreciated.
“We send out around 3,500 packages every year, and we need a lot of help,” he explains. “Sometimes the boys come more than once.”
Both Lichy and Katz explained to the boys the significance of what they were accomplishing. Lichy also brought out a map to show them how far the packages would be travelling.
“They didn’t just fulfill the mitzvah,” says Katz. “They also sent a serious pick me up to someone who needs it. Whether the package goes to a prison, or to Iraq, Afghanistan or Korea, those people see that someone cares about them, and they get the comfort of traditional items that remind them of home.”
Lichy concurs.
“I told the boys that when I go to visit the inmates in prison, I bring them soda, and they sit and drink it, savoring every bubble,” he relates. “These people might have made mistakes, but you still need to care for them. When they receive the packages the boys prepared, it’s going to bring a little joy into their lives.”
The boys worked for about two hours packing approximately 500 packages. Afterwards, they were so excited that they were jumping out of their seats to explain why their work was so special.
“I’m glad the soldiers and the prisoners are going to know someone cares about them,” says Yaakov Kaplan.
“Yeah,” Yitzi Batt quickly adds. “When they see people took time out of their day to send them Shalach Manot they’re going to be really happy.”
Shlomo Zev Friedman smiles and nods.
“They’re also going to be happy,” he chimes in, “because they have something yummy to eat.”
Rabbi Lichy is Da Bomb!
To the Greatest Captain of All Atavandaos Teacher of All time!
Much Hatzlacha as you continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. May this be a continuous blessing on you and your family.
Teacher of the year, every year!!!
a secret admirer
Go Laf!!!!
Sam K
I know Rabbi Mordechai Lichy for many years.
He has always shown himself to be a dedicated chossid of the Rebbe.Evrey inyan er nemt mit ah emes!
Florida is lucky to have a shaliach of his caliber!
barry Barouk
Did Moshe have anthing to do about this?
Very Nice
It is worthy of mention that the person (Yaakov Freedman) who wrote this article was once a student in that very same 5th grade class.
Spike Lee
Moshe Barouk was a major reason these events and others like it (the auction) take place. Hats off to him as one of the fighting members of the Aleph Inst.
DG770
Aww!
eric leimberg
Brachies uncle and tatty too
Yakovs uncle is a great inspiration.