Jewish soup kitchen desperate for help

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Yad’s Soup for the Soul, a key project of the organisation, is South Africa’s only kosher soup kitchen. It opened its doors in 2015.

“I identified a pressing need to introduce a soup kitchen to the community after witnessing people hungry to the point that they would start to eat something out of their food boxes before even exiting our premises,” said Alice Friedman, the managing director of Yad Aharon & Michael.

Yad was forced to close its soup kitchen temporarily in March, but now, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, there is much awaited relief for hundreds of families who can once again look forward to that sought-after hot meal.

Yad’s Soup for the Soul has resumed operating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which coincides with the collection and distribution of food parcels to its 660 families in need.

However, in line with the requirement for social distancing, the celebrated wholesome and nutritious soup has been pre-packed, to be heated up at home and enjoyed with fresh rolls. In time to come, Yaddies looks forward to reinstating its on-site soup kitchen which gives recipients the opportunity to mingle and socialise in a unique, congenial ambiance.

The ongoing increase in applications for food assistance will undoubtedly have an impact on the number of people needing additional meals from the soup kitchen. The need has never been more urgent, and turning people away is simply not an option. The survival of Yad’s Soup for the Soul is totally dependent on communal funding and, as the traditionally cold weather grips Johannesburg, Yad is appealing to you to donate generously.

You can assist in sponsoring pots of soup via the organisation’s website. This is a project which literally warms body and soul. To donate, go to: www.yadaharon.co.za