Due to the restrictions brought about by Covid-19, Yad Yisroel began preparations for this year’s Pesach as soon as last year’s Pesach finished.
Tremendous efforts were made and resources pulled together from all parts of the globe to ensure Sedorim and a Kosher Pesach—not only for our students, but for hundreds of Jews throughout the region! Products came via a shipping container from America and the more perishable goods were sent by ship from Eretz Yisroel to Russia and from Russia it was delivered by a truck to Belarus (The meat for Yom Tov was brought in by truck which made a 2100 km round trip to Moscow). Boruch Hashem the logistics worked as planned, and we were able to get the products out to the many communities on time.
These communities included Minsk, Kalinkovich, Orsha, Mogilov, Vitebsk, Brest, Grodno, Gommel and other communities which we assisted with the basic provisions for Pesach. Thousands of bottles of grape juice were distributed around the country allowing Jews who had previously been prevented from doing so by decades of Communism, to keep the mitzvah of Arba Kosos.
While all the feverish preparations were taking place, Yad Yisroel’s devoted staff continued to teach all the students’ regular classes right up to Erev Yom Tov. Additional special programs were even added with emphasis on preparing our students and members of the community to properly appreciate this special time. Throughout the special, joyous Yom Tov the staff and their families had the sedorim and meals with the students, elevating the atmosphere of the entire Pinsk community.