Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
"Feed My Sheep"
Each week volunteers from Hands of Mercy gather together to make over 600 sandwiches for hungry school children...
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Update- Survival Boxes
As the threat of war continues and the violence increases on our northern and now southern borders, often spilling over into Israel, we also continue to prepare. Hands of Mercy packs 1000’s of ‘Survival Boxes’ that are filled with food and emergency supplies.
The work is accomplished thanks to those who support us as well as those who come and help pack the boxes.
Contingency plans for delivering boxes are in place for when, (not if) war breaks out. In the event of war a team of brave volunteers will be delivering boxes to the front lines where they are needed the most.
The work is not without its challenges however, as we saw this week. Our storage building was once again vandalized and supplies stolen. As a result, supplies and packed boxes were moved into a more secure building nearby. This required nearly a week of heavy labor as a large hole was made in the cement wall and a new gate installed. Volunteers continue to take measures to reinforce the new building.
We look forward to returning to the work of packing the boxes and finalizing the distribution plans that will be initiated when war comes.
The work is accomplished thanks to those who support us as well as those who come and help pack the boxes. Contingency plans for delivering boxes are in place for when, (not if) war breaks out. In the event of war a team of brave volunteers will be delivering boxes to the front lines where they are needed the most.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
“SDE’ROT ICE-CREAM / DIAPER SOCIAL”
The day of the big party has finally come; a diaper and ice cream social for the many needy young mothers here in Sderot. Hands of Mercy has been blessed with 50,000 diapers recently… and now will bless many young families and their children with an afternoon of ice cream, lemonade, diapers, and of course laughter.
The ladies who volunteer here have spent countless hours sorting and folding clothes so that the shelves will be full of nice things for the children. The men have worked tirelessly moving things, cleaning the yard, and setting up tables and chairs. Over fifty lemons were squeezed to make five gallons of lemonade. And then there were the hours and hours that went into making nearly fifteen gallons of ‘gourmet’ homemade ice cream. Before this afternoon, when the mothers and strollers arrive many last minute details will still have to be accomplished, including the bathing of our two precious lambs... bathed and groomed from head to tail for their very first party.
As the afternoon begins to fade and the heat of the day subsides, mothers begin to arrive with their young ones in tow, and the yard is all at once filled with laughter. As mothers sit with their babies and toddlers, greeting each other and enjoying the chance to catch up with friends, the older children are exploring the herb garden and playing a game of ‘tag’.
Lemonade and ice cream are enjoyed by all as we prepare for the distribution of diapers. As the lambs arrive to the party, the children become very excited as they all try to get as close to the lambs as they can. They squeeze in around the pen touching the lambs and waiting for a turn at brushing the lambs.
As I look at the precious faces of these children who have been traumatized by rocket attacks, I enjoy the experience with them. Their smiles and laughter are filled with joy. As I stand there watching them enjoy the moment I can’t help but notice one young girl standing close to her papa. Her expression is one of apprehension, not quite sure if she wants to reach out and touch the lambs. As I offer her the lamb’s brush she turns her face and buries it in her papa’s leg, then just as quickly looks back at the lambs and then me. I offer the brush a second time and again she buries her face in the protection of papa’s pants leg. I pause for a moment, able to hold her gaze, and smile. Slowly a smile grows on her little face, I extend the brush one last time and it is accepted. Slowly I guide her little hand as we brush the lambs together. As I glance up at papa, his face has lit up in smile as he watches his little one join in the fun.
The day of the big party has finally come; a diaper and ice cream social for the many needy young mothers here in Sderot. Hands of Mercy has been blessed with 50,000 diapers recently… and now will bless many young families and their children with an afternoon of ice cream, lemonade, diapers, and of course laughter.
The ladies who volunteer here have spent countless hours sorting and folding clothes so that the shelves will be full of nice things for the children. The men have worked tirelessly moving things, cleaning the yard, and setting up tables and chairs. Over fifty lemons were squeezed to make five gallons of lemonade. And then there were the hours and hours that went into making nearly fifteen gallons of ‘gourmet’ homemade ice cream. Before this afternoon, when the mothers and strollers arrive many last minute details will still have to be accomplished, including the bathing of our two precious lambs... bathed and groomed from head to tail for their very first party.
As the afternoon begins to fade and the heat of the day subsides, mothers begin to arrive with their young ones in tow, and the yard is all at once filled with laughter. As mothers sit with their babies and toddlers, greeting each other and enjoying the chance to catch up with friends, the older children are exploring the herb garden and playing a game of ‘tag’.
Lemonade and ice cream are enjoyed by all as we prepare for the distribution of diapers. As the lambs arrive to the party, the children become very excited as they all try to get as close to the lambs as they can. They squeeze in around the pen touching the lambs and waiting for a turn at brushing the lambs.
As I look at the precious faces of these children who have been traumatized by rocket attacks, I enjoy the experience with them. Their smiles and laughter are filled with joy. As I stand there watching them enjoy the moment I can’t help but notice one young girl standing close to her papa. Her expression is one of apprehension, not quite sure if she wants to reach out and touch the lambs. As I offer her the lamb’s brush she turns her face and buries it in her papa’s leg, then just as quickly looks back at the lambs and then me. I offer the brush a second time and again she buries her face in the protection of papa’s pants leg. I pause for a moment, able to hold her gaze, and smile. Slowly a smile grows on her little face, I extend the brush one last time and it is accepted. Slowly I guide her little hand as we brush the lambs together. As I glance up at papa, his face has lit up in smile as he watches his little one join in the fun.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Holy Teeth For Sderot
What is the problem with Dental Care in the City of Sderot? In Israel, dental care is not part of the basic healthcare, rather it is a luxury. Very few citizens have dental insurance, especially in Sderot, whether privately or through work.
Over a year ago we opened a communal dental clinic that met the needs of the local poor population who really needed it, about 20% of the City of Sderot. Opening the clinic gave these people a chance to live normal lives and to enjoy medical equality. During the period that the clinic was open, dozens of people had both preventative and prosthetic operations.
Due to lack of funds and state subsidization, the clinic has shut down. Some of the patients are desperately waiting for it to open again as they are in the midst of their dental operations. We are currently raising funds that will allow us to reopen.
We must pay a full time dentist along with other volunteer dentist, nurses, and a secretary, not to mention all the necessary supplies to run a dental clinic. It is imperative that we have a way to help people who cannot pay for regular care.
This project was born out of necessity, as people came to us seeking help. It costs a person thousands of shekels for private dental care, and someone living on welfare making $300-$400 a month cannot meet these demands. We already have an existing clinic, which has been closed. We already have a dentist’s chair, a patient list comprised by the local social worker, and some supplies. We are now raising funds to reopen the clinic. We invite you to watch the following video made on behalf of the people of Sderot.
What is the problem with Dental Care in the City of Sderot? In Israel, dental care is not part of the basic healthcare, rather it is a luxury. Very few citizens have dental insurance, especially in Sderot, whether privately or through work.
Over a year ago we opened a communal dental clinic that met the needs of the local poor population who really needed it, about 20% of the City of Sderot. Opening the clinic gave these people a chance to live normal lives and to enjoy medical equality. During the period that the clinic was open, dozens of people had both preventative and prosthetic operations.
Due to lack of funds and state subsidization, the clinic has shut down. Some of the patients are desperately waiting for it to open again as they are in the midst of their dental operations. We are currently raising funds that will allow us to reopen.
We must pay a full time dentist along with other volunteer dentist, nurses, and a secretary, not to mention all the necessary supplies to run a dental clinic. It is imperative that we have a way to help people who cannot pay for regular care.
This project was born out of necessity, as people came to us seeking help. It costs a person thousands of shekels for private dental care, and someone living on welfare making $300-$400 a month cannot meet these demands. We already have an existing clinic, which has been closed. We already have a dentist’s chair, a patient list comprised by the local social worker, and some supplies. We are now raising funds to reopen the clinic. We invite you to watch the following video made on behalf of the people of Sderot.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
“SHABBAT
WONDERLAND”
(Hands of Mercy Weekly Encounter)
As the last hour of this wonderful Shabbat is passing by I sit and look out the picture window to the scene outside. It has been a very blustery day with an occasional rain, but it is quiet now.
Immediately as I look out the window I see the large Mimosa tree just beginning to leaf out. As the wind begins to cease, the mourning doves that feed at my window have returned for their evening meal.
Beyond the tree that is now filled with many different birds singing their evening songs, I can see a palette of color from the flower garden below. Behind the pansies and snapdragons is the vegetable garden.
The beds have just been tilled and rich dark soil added. They lay there quietly awaiting the new planting that will happen soon. The trellises above the garden paths are covered with Night Blooming Jasmine just beginning to bloom. As the evenings warm, the night will explode with their intoxicating fragrance.
As I look beyond the trellises I can see the large herb garden filled with rosemary, sage, lavender, and mint. The lambs are there playing and nibbling freely. Beyond is the back fence that borders the grassy city park. I can hear the sounds of children at play as I watch families returning from the synagogue.
These are the sights and sounds I am blessed with from the roof top accommodations at Hands of Mercy. Although the work week is always filled with much to do, the quiet rest that Shabbat brings is welcomed. I am so blessed with such a beautiful and peaceful place to live. Baruch Hashem! And yet just under the surface of this tranquility is the reality that we live in a place where rockets ravage the people and landscape much too often.
The week ahead will be a busy one as we prepare for a diaper give away to needy moms. Hands of Mercy were recently blessed with a donation of 50,000 diapers and so we are planning a social event for our needy moms and their small children and babies.
We will be busy at the start of the week with making gallons of lemonade and homemade ice cream and sorbet. The lambs will also need to be bathed and groomed tomorrow so they can be ready for the children to enjoy.
As the moms come for their diapers they will also be able to ‘shop’ for clothing for the babies and children from our clothing donations, and then enjoy some ice cream and lemonade as they watch their children interact with the playful lambs.
(Hands of Mercy Weekly Encounter)
As the last hour of this wonderful Shabbat is passing by I sit and look out the picture window to the scene outside. It has been a very blustery day with an occasional rain, but it is quiet now.
Immediately as I look out the window I see the large Mimosa tree just beginning to leaf out. As the wind begins to cease, the mourning doves that feed at my window have returned for their evening meal.
Beyond the tree that is now filled with many different birds singing their evening songs, I can see a palette of color from the flower garden below. Behind the pansies and snapdragons is the vegetable garden.
The beds have just been tilled and rich dark soil added. They lay there quietly awaiting the new planting that will happen soon. The trellises above the garden paths are covered with Night Blooming Jasmine just beginning to bloom. As the evenings warm, the night will explode with their intoxicating fragrance.
As I look beyond the trellises I can see the large herb garden filled with rosemary, sage, lavender, and mint. The lambs are there playing and nibbling freely. Beyond is the back fence that borders the grassy city park. I can hear the sounds of children at play as I watch families returning from the synagogue.
These are the sights and sounds I am blessed with from the roof top accommodations at Hands of Mercy. Although the work week is always filled with much to do, the quiet rest that Shabbat brings is welcomed. I am so blessed with such a beautiful and peaceful place to live. Baruch Hashem! And yet just under the surface of this tranquility is the reality that we live in a place where rockets ravage the people and landscape much too often.
The week ahead will be a busy one as we prepare for a diaper give away to needy moms. Hands of Mercy were recently blessed with a donation of 50,000 diapers and so we are planning a social event for our needy moms and their small children and babies.
We will be busy at the start of the week with making gallons of lemonade and homemade ice cream and sorbet. The lambs will also need to be bathed and groomed tomorrow so they can be ready for the children to enjoy.
As the moms come for their diapers they will also be able to ‘shop’ for clothing for the babies and children from our clothing donations, and then enjoy some ice cream and lemonade as they watch their children interact with the playful lambs.
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