On the Calendar

Hebrew Academy of Long Beach partners with Yashar Lachayal Students at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach wrote letters to soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, wishing them a happy Purim. These letters will be delivered to soldiers by the Israel-based non-profit organization Yashar LaChayal. Every Purim, Yashar LaChayal delivers mishloach manot to combat soldiers throughout Israel. Rabbi Friedman’s 10th grade students wrote the letters to soldiers, hoping to make Purim more joyous for those soldiers serving on Israel’s frontlines, even on holidays. According to Rabbi Friedman, “I know how much the soldiers appreciate these letters, especially the ones serving day and night to protect the Land . We appreciate them in the United States so much, and wish them a Happy Purim.” Scott Weissman is one of the students writing the letters to soldiers. Scott noted, “It’s a very good thing to do because the soldiers realize that there are people looking out for them and thinking of them. I know that if I was a soldier, I would love to get these letters and packages.” Yashar LaChayal staff and volunteers work with donors around the world to provide soldiers with the goods and services they need to stay comfortable and healthy, but are simply not covered by the regular IDF budget. The goods include warm winter outerwear, water backpacks, extra sturdy backpacks and other items requested by soldiers and their commanders. In addition, efforts are made to assist lone soldiers - volunteers in the IDF without family in Israel - and needy soldiers, providing them with access to personal goods and toiletries that they do not have the means to purchase, as well as assisting them with basic household goods. Yashar LaChayal volunteers will be packing mishloach manot in Israel the week before Purim, and will send the packages to soldiers on the borders, on the mountains and hilltops and to soldiers on bases in remote areas, making sure that the soldiers have an opportunity to celebrate Purim while they are engaged in their critical tasks. For more information about Yashar LaChayal, or to participate in the Yashar LaChayal Mishloach Manot for Soldiers Campaign, visit them on the web, www.yasharlachayal.org or email them at info@yasharlachayal.org.