By Naamah Freundlich – Monsey, NY
This is the biggest Hashgocha Protis story that happened to me!
On Thursday night, I took my children to the warehouse of the organization Kosher Troops to help pack boxes of kosher food and holiday gift baskets to be delivered to Jewish soldiers and service members.
With my son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah and Pesach preparations, I was completely overwhelmed with everything going on. But we still went. This was something important and I wanted my children to see it how important it is to help others, even if we are tired and busy.
The hour was late and it took us longer than expected to get to the warehouse, but we finally got there. They have been packing packages for the last 6 weeks and I’ve planned many times to volunteer. This was the first time I actually made it out there.
We found the warehouse filled with volunteers and even one soldier. Because of the late hour, I told my children that the plan is to only stay there for a half an hour.
The coordinators gave us a two page list with names of soldiers and items to pack for them. We began working, but it takes some time to get all the stuff together, because it’s a big warehouse.
After a half hour, as we were about to head back home, I decided to fill just one more box before we leave. I asked the person in charge (who does not know me) to give me another name. She chooses one stack of papers from many, and hands me the top paper.
I take it, look at the name and my hand literally starts shaking. The name at the top says Sholom Neistein – my own brother!
I start to cry hysterically, tears streaming down my face. I’m just turning to everyone and saying, “Oh my G-d, this is my brother’s paper!”
It’s so unbelievable because this is my dear younger brother. I have been worried about him as he serves his country, stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. I felt like Hashem was telling me he will be alright.
You really never know when you do good for someone, it may be someone you love that will be the recipient.
Sholom appreciates letters and packages from everyone. His address is
Officer Candidate Neistein, Sholom
Alpha Company
6510 McVeigh Drive, Bldg 76
Fort Benning, GA 31905
You can go to our website Koshertroops.com to donate.
Thanks
Can we donate to help or brothers in the US army?
Is this through Aleph!
None of the beautiful stories that grow out of Koshertroops would ever happen without the indomitable and loving spirit of Sara Truzman Fuerst. She is the one who works with the chaplains, finds the foods, and organizes packing & mailing.
Hashgacha Pratiss in it’s infinity!!!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for posting, משיח כאו!
Kosher Troops is a great organization , kept me well fed during my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan . Hashem should protect your brother going forward as he wears our nation’s uniform . Have a good Shabbos .
Chaplain (Col) Jacob Goldstein – Ret
Always go the one extra step!