Today's verses seem totally unrelated: the first is an invitation to the needy, and the second expresses the eternal hope of the Jewish people to return to Israel. A great Torah commentator, the Hidda, gave a fascinating explanation for the hidden connection between these two verses. He says that one reason why God expelled the people from His land was their failure to provide for the poor (see Lamentations 1:3). Thus by caring for those less fortunate, we are rectifying this error and bringing closer the ultimate redemption. With the festive holiday of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) quickly approaching, the Israel365 Charity Fund is partnering with other Israeli organizations to provide Passover essentials, including food and ritual items, so they too can partake in the joy!
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