The Day I Met Superwoman

The Fellowship  |  September 21, 2016

As Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach, The Fellowship’s High Holy Days Outreach is providing aid to many needy Israelis. Writing at The Times of Israel, Yael talks of being inspired by a single mother who The Fellowship helps, and who is a joyful and loving person despite the obstacles life presents her:

Her name is Chani. And if you saw her walking on the street you would never know her struggles. She looks like a typical Israeli woman with long black hair, striking brown eyes, and a soft yet powerful smile. But she is anything but typical. In my eyes, she’s superwoman.

I met Chani on “one of those days.” I was running late, as I stepped over scattered toys while sipping an extra-strong coffee to wake up. My 4-year-old gave me a sweet yogurt-filled kiss on the cheek to say goodbye, while my 9-year-old poked me in the eye trying to rub it off. “I love you so much,” I called out to my kids, as gave my husband a high-five with a “tag, you’re it” on my way running out to the car.

At the stop sign, I took a deep breath.

I thanked God for another successful morning getting the children ready for school, and most importantly, for the smiles on their faces.

And then I headed out to Chani’s house.

I had never met Chani. I only knew the bare facts from what I read: Single mother with two small children. Lives in public housing. Ten simple words to describe Chani’s life. But Chani’s life is far from simple.

Chani is one of 20,000 Israelis, including 8,500 single mothers, who receive a $100 gift card from The Fellowship so they can buy food for the holidays and celebrate in dignity…