Akiva School students help fill the MADA pantry for Passover.

MADA, one of Canada’s largest hunger relief organizations, doubles its services for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Passover!

 As Passover approaches and inflation increases, MADA Community Center, the largest Kosher food bank and soup kitchen in Montreal, is ensuring that the necessities required to partake in the spiritual traditions of this holiday remain possible through its multiple holiday food services.
Since 1993, the organization has made its mission to help those afflicted with poverty in Montreal. MADA’s philosophy is grounded in the notion that “we are all family” and aims to be an example for others by offering its services free of charge, breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering kinship and reciprocity, and educating the public on food insecurity and kindness in giving back.
MADA’s services are important, now more than ever before because many families have had their income plummet while food prices soar, and with COVID ever-present, many communities in Montreal, including the elderly and those with disabilities, are continuously feeling the effects that result in food insecurity.
With prices of many goods, especially food, many in Montreal, including the elderly and those with disabilities, are continuously feeling the effects that result in food insecurity, MADA’s Assistant Director, Yosef Drihem, has made it clear that “MADA is here to support those struggling to afford necessities, especially during the holidays, of which Passover has the most food regulation.
MADA has doubled its operations this year for Passover, a Jewish holiday that begins this year on April 15th and ends on April 23rd. The holiday commemorates the Jewish People’s exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt. The markers of remembrance are focused on expressions of food, which is why MADA is placing much of its resources to provide their patrons options to decide, for themselves, how best to make their celebration safe & joyous despite personal and economic challenges.
MADA’s Passover services this year include options for those wishing to celebrate from home and for those wishing to celebrate in person, “which means that we are now preparing for and offering more holiday services than ever before and therefore need more volunteers in order to accomplish it all. MADA could not manage everything it does, if not for its hundreds of volunteers,” said Rabbi Shmuel Pinson, MADA’s Volunteer and Event Coordinator.
The organization is preparing 2000 Holiday Baskets that contain food ingredients needed to prepare for a Kosher holiday, as well as 8000 Seder in a Box and traditional Kosher for Passover meals for those who wish to celebrate at home. For those who wish to be around others in their community and to alleviate any feelings of isolation and loneliness that the pandemic has facilitated, MADA has brought back the option to attend the 10 in-person Passover seders happening across Montreal on April 15th and 16th.
To volunteer, donate, or to register for MADA’s Passover services, visit madacenter.com or call 514-342-4969.