A Prestwich social care charity has helped deliver 125 crucial food parcels and "seder" supplies to Jewish homes across Greater Manchester for festival Passover.
The Fed has been preparing for the religious holiday for the past few months and with the current cost of living crisis, the charity made the decision to help others in the community.
This year, Passover marks the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and the eight-day event starts this evening, Wednesday.
On Monday, April 3, 125 Jewish homes across Manchester received crucial Food parcels and supplies for "seder", the religious meal served in Jewish homes to commence the festival of Passover.
A spokesperson from The Fed said: “All of these things cost money and special food for Passover can be quite pricey.
“As poverty and the cost of living crisis affects the Jewish community in the same way it affects all other communities, we deliver Passover items to those who can't afford it.
“This goes along with the support services provided by The Fed to one in seven Jewish Homes in Greater Manchester.”
Jewish people cannot eat anything that rises for the eight days of Passover (anything with yeast) and there are also special items that need to be sought for the dinner table on the first two nights, these ceremonial-type dinners are called a seder.
The spokesperson said: “On Monday our community support and advice team (CAST), our social work team and volunteer services team packed and labelled hundreds of parcels.
“By the time they had finished, the CAST’s office was so overflowing with packages, staff had all but disappeared behind them.
“By Tuesday evening they had been delivered to their new owners.”
During the four days leading up to Passover, The Fed hosted the Project Smile Play and Learn pre-Pesach day-camp at the children's centre on the Heathlands village site.
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A spokesperson added: “Our play camp was fully booked for these four days of pre-Passover fun with our indefatigable Project Smile Team.
“Seventy five children attended and enjoyed a range of activities, games and crafts and as the weather was stunning, most of the time was spent outdoors.”
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The scheme aims to provide a respite for parents who are preparing for Passover and give them a little time to enjoy themselves together.
Children were also able to enjoy an environment built for having fun, The Fed’s indoor Children’s Centre, outdoor play area and newly-refurbished sensory room.
Read more: Queen's tree planted in Prestwich after The Fed's hard work
All residents, tenants and guests staying at Heathlands Village over Passover also received flowers from Brambles Florist, donated by David Marks and Rochelle Selby and family in memory of their late parents, Sam and Hilda Marks.
If you have a story, please email me at Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk or tweet @Heywoodharriet_
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