As the war in Israel ramps up with a huge reserve call up, the Tiferes Yisroel Foundation—in partnership with Yeshivas Lubavitch Tiferes Yisroel (YLTY)—has significantly expanded its provision of assitance to families of reserve soldiers.
Earlier this week, the Foundation quadrupled the number of hot meals delivered to families whose husbands and fathers have been serving extended tours in the IDF reserves. On Tuesday alone, 90 fresh, high-quality meals were delivered to families in the settlement of Tekoa as part of the ongoing Lighthouse Project, which provides both material and spiritual support to families bearing the heaviest burdens of this war.
One mother, receiving support for the first time, sent the following message:
“היי ☺️ אשמח לדעת מאיפה האוכל מגיע? רוצה לומר תודה רבה רבה. פעם ראשונה שאני נעזרת וזה ממש שימח אותי עכשיו לדעת שלמחר אני בנחת ושיש לי ארוחה חמה וטובה לי ולילדים. האוכל נראה ממש נקי ואיכותי.”
“Hi! I’d love to know where the food is from—just want to say thank you so much. This is the first time I’ve ever accepted help, and it really lifted my spirits to know that tomorrow I can rest a little, and that there’s a hot, nourishing meal for me and my children. The food looks truly clean and high quality.”
Another recipient, Ann Blinder, whose husband has already served over 300 days in reserve duty, shared a heartfelt note that illustrates the emotional impact of the initiative:
“… תודות על האוכל הנפלא, למשפחות המילואים… אז אני אגיד מעבר לזה שהאוכל טעים בצורה פנטסטית, אני ממש מרגישה שמעשה הזה, מישהו “נכנס איתי “תחת האלונקה”, נתן לא רק צופר אלה עזרה ממשית, פינה לי קצת זמן שכל כך חסר לי בשנתיים האחרונות. בעלי עשה קרוב ל 300 ימים כבר ועוד 110 בדרך. התחלנו סבב 6. רחוק מהבית. ובאמת שאני מוטשת אז פשוט תודה ענקית על קצת נחת ותמיכה שהיא הכי מוחשית שיש.”
“Thank you for the wonderful food for reserve duty families. Beyond the fantastic taste, I truly feel that someone is ‘getting under the stretcher’ with me. This wasn’t just a treat—it was real tangible help. It gave me back some time, something I’ve barely had over the last two years.
My husband has already served close to 300 days, with another 110 ahead of him. We’ve just started our sixth round of reserve duty. He’s far from home. And the truth is that I’m exhausted. So a huge thank you for this relief and for the most real form of support possible.”
As the demands on Israel’s reservists stretch to unprecedented levels, the impact on their families is profound. The bochurim and staff at YLTY have joined the effort, Menahel Rabbi Chaim Moss says: I am very proud that the bochurim have a real feeling for mivtzoim and reinvigorating their learning, as the Rebbe spoke about many times, as crucial spiritual assistance for a decisive military victory. It’s also amazing to see them physically rolling up their sleeves and helping in the kitchen preparing meals and schlepping… we sent the following hand written note this past week to the families:
“Thinking of you and deeply grateful for your boundless dedication on behalf of the Jewish people. With abundant appreciation and prayerful wishes for only good news!”
— Yeshivas Lubavitch Tiferes Yisroel, Bet Shemesh
To contribute to this effort or sponsor meals, visit www.tyfoundation.org/about-2
Chaim Mochkin 🥰❤️