Girls Roll Out Plan to Help Israel, One Hamantash at a Time

by Menachem Posner – Chabad.org

As a direct result of terror attacks in Israel that began in full force following the High Holidays, two 11-year-olds in Florida hope to make a small but significant difference in the weeks before Purim. And they plan to do so in a hands-on and rather creative way: by baking hamantaschen.

Chaya Mushka and Esther Leah Hodakov—the twin daughters of Rabbi Levi and Miriam Hodakov, co-directors of Chabad of Clearwater, Fla.—have launched an effort they call “Hamantashen for Israel,” selling triangular pastries traditionally served on Purim and sending the proceeds to victims of terror.

The girls will celebrate their bat mitzvah on Shushan Purim, which this year corresponds to Friday, March 25. It is the day in Jewish history observed as Purim in Jerusalem and other ancient walled cities, making the project’s connection to Israel all the more relevant, according to Chaya Mushka Hodakov.

The hamantaschen will go for $10 per dozen locally and feature a variety of fillings, including raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and one that especially appeals to children—chocolate chip.

“My sister and I love to bake, and thought that this would be a great mitzvah to do in honor of our bat mitzvah,” remarked Esther Leah Hodakov. “With just under a month to Purim, we hope sell about 600 hamantaschen and raise $500, and send it to victims so their celebrations can be a little bit happier this year.”

Orders to other parts of the United States can be made by emailing the girls athamantashen@JewishClearwater.com.