Maot Chitim refers to the custom of gathering wheat to provide the poor with the makings of matzo for Passover.  Nearly a century ago, Rabbis set up card tables in front of their synagogues and distributed a few dollars to the poor for holy day meals.

Today, Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago has evolved into a year-round volunteer effort searching for the best and most reasonably priced Kosher products, organizing an army of volunteers, setting up a warehouse, locating recipients through the ARK and other social service agencies, packing the products, coordinating an orderly delivery system, delivering the packages and finally closing up and beginning the plans for the next holiday.

In 1997, Maot Chitim wanted to extend the delivery of holiday food to include Rosh Hashanah because of the growing need in the community.  We were able to provide food to only a portion of the recipients through the generosity of donors.  In 2003, First Bank of Highland Park provided us the necessary additional funding in 2003, 2004, 2005 allowing us to feed the same number of recipients for Rosh Hashanah as we have been able to provide for Passover.

Maot Chitim volunteers represent city and suburbanites, all religious denominations and secular Jews, ages ranging from children to seniors.  Family, friends, clubs and school classes come together for hard work and a pleasurable experience.

Typically food packages contain kosher chickens, eggs, gefilte fish, Passover Wine, cooking oil, tea, jelly, carrots, celery, onions, apples (for Rosh Hashanah), Shabbat and yahrzeit candles.  And, of course, matzo for Passover and Challah for Rosh Hashanah.

The warehouse is set up and boxes are assembled weeks before each holiday.  Packing of non perishable food begins the week before delivery.  On the Saturday evening before our delivery day (after Shabbat) families come to our warehouse to put rubber bands around 7500 dozen egg cartons.  At dawn on the Sunday before Passover and Rosh Hashanah, volunteers add the perishable goods.

Approximately 5,000 packages with food to feed 12,000 needy Jews will be delivered by a second wave of volunteers who begin arriving early that Sunday morning.  In addition, about 29 bulk shipments are sent to various organizations including Hillel Chibod student centers.

The week before delivery another team of volunteers come to our office to prepare cards with names, addresses and maps for those delivering packages to recipients.

Deliveries are a family affair.  Maot Chitim has thrived because as volunteers grow up they bring their children.  When those children reach adulthood, they bring another generation.

Upon arrival, volunteers are instructed to say "We are here with your Yom Tov order" rather than "donation" or "charity."  Volunteers are encouraged to stay for a while with the recipient.  And accept "payment" for the delivery with a cookie or a cup of tea.

Recipients are as hungry for some companionship as they are for the food.  Sitting down for a visit is the heart of the program -- meaningful for those who deliver a package as for those who receive it.

Avi Wichester said about his experience with Maot Chitim - "Never have I seen anything like this!  I'm stuck in the biggest traffic jam - three lanes of cars, inching their way forward...I can't believe what I'm seeing.  There are tears in my eyes.  The old lady pushed a family size chocolate bar into my hand and said "Spaciba' (thank you).  I declined and thanked her for her warm gesture.  And to Maot Chitim, thank you for the opportunity to do this great mitzvah."