On the Receiving End

What a box at the door means to a mother who feels invisible

by KR

0 Comments | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 under Agunos, Grushos & Melamdim, shavuot

I’m just going to come out and say it. People are amazed at how much we do at B’ezri: one organization, a small staff, but over 15 separate programs that help struggling families (tens of thousands of them!) throughout Israel, throughout the year - every year. 

When we plan any of our programs, campaigns or projects, you may think that the logistics come first - marketing, donations, distributions, strategies for the most effective ways to make everything function smoothly. All important things, of course, and all things we certainly do.  

But the real starting point is something different: the people on the receiving end.

Understanding the People on the Receiving End

When we began our Shavuot distribution for grushot, food packages filled with products commonly used for the holiday (cheeses, yogurts, cream cheeses) for example, we had a feeling the initiative would strike a chord. Because we know the people who are on the receiving end. 

Years of experience helping struggling divorced mothers have shown us a side of grushot that most people are likely unaware of. They describe a deep sense of invisibility - often raising children on their own, without consistent child support or the presence of an involved father, carrying the full weight of household responsibility alone.

Unlike other groups that tend to have more visible, structured support systems around them, grushot find themselves with fewer places to turn. There are fewer dedicated programs, less awareness, and at times even a feeling in the background that because divorce was “a choice,” the level of need is somehow different or less urgent.
So many of these women end up feeling like they’re simply not seen - even while they are doing everything they can to hold things together for their children, day after day.

A Dignified Shavuot Food Package Distribution

So when we had the opportunity to distribute these special ordered food packages straight to their homes for Shavuos, our instinct was: this is going to make a real difference for the chag. And when the feedback began to come in, we weren’t disappointed. It reflected exactly what we hoped for (but already kind of expected):

"I wanted to pause for a moment and say - thank you.
Not just a simple thank you, but one that comes from the deepest place in my heart.
Today, I received from you a box full of dairy products. Once upon a time, I used to buy things like that without a second thought. But today, when reality looks very different, it felt like a hug from Hashem - an affirmation that I am still worthy. That even though the wheel has turned... I am not alone.
In that moment, it meant more than just the food itself. It meant knowing that someone thought about me, remembered me, and saw me as more than just my circumstances. It reminded me that I am still part of a wider circle of people who care.
I admit with complete honesty - I’ve always felt immense shame about going to distributions. I simply can’t bring myself to do it. But the way you handled it - no public distribution, no waiting in line - just one box, dignified, beautiful, aesthetic, and full of items we needed for the chag!! It moved me to tears.

Your giving is always done in the most respectful way imaginable.
May you continue to be a channel of abundance and shlichim tovim.
Thank you for seeing us. Thank you for doing this in a way that not only nourishes the body, but also protects the soul.
With hope to one day give back and deep appreciation,
Esti"

Ongoing Impact and Feedback from Families

And this is one of numerous letters that have come in these last few years, all with similar reactions. Thank you for help that was so useful, so mat’im (appropriate). Thank you for actually thinking about what our needs are. Thank you for seeing us. 

The Deeper Meaning of Shavuot Giving

Shavuot is a perfect backdrop for this kind of giving. The Torah itself was received by a people who had just come through their own journey of struggle and uncertainty. They were being chosen, being seen, being included - just like the grushot who open the door for our delivery with excitement, sometimes shock, and often, tears. The package reminds each one that she is seen, that she belongs, and she is not alone.

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