March 2004 Nissan 5764

Dear former Southern African

Another Pesach season is approaching and it is time to ask ourselves the question "Why is this night different from all other nights?" The Haggadah gives us four answers to this question. But this year we can also add a personal answer.

Pesach is a significant time for family and friends to join together and tell the story of our ancestor's Exodus from Egypt. It is a time of tradition, miracles, freedom and thanksgiving.

Sadly, at a time when all Jews should feel protected and joyous, many of our relatives and friends who are still in South Africa are feeling uncertainty. Due to escalating security issues, maintenance costs and continued budget cuts, residents of Southern Africa's Jewish homes for the elderly, handicapped, and children in need are being denied basic services. Your support will help to alleviate these financial stresses and ensure them a lifestyle that would provide the comfortable and fulfilling lives they deserve.

These homes especially need our assistance at the time to offer a meaningful Pesach experience to their residents and guests. In one case, a home needs to provide 16,000 Pesach meals (to over 1800 people) at a cost of approximately R250,000. No Jew who is in need of a Pesach meal is ever turned away, so this would be impossible without your help. As you look forward to this year's sederim, please think of those less fortunate

At Passover, it is a mitzvah to invite those with no place to go into your home. This year, we ask you to invite these residents into your hearts. By making a tax deductible donation (see note below) to ChaiSouthAfrica, you will be helping the homes in Southern Africa provide Pesach meals to all the residents and to those who have nowhere else to go.

So at this year's seder, when the question is asked "Why is this night different from all other nights?", in your heart you will know that it is different because your generous gift lifted the spirits of someone in need.

Please consider a meaningful donation by completing the enclosed form. You can also make use of our tribute program by making a donation in honor or memory of someone special.

Chag Pesach Kasher to you and your family.

ChaiSouthAfrica Committee and all the residents of the homes