United Hatzalah medics took part in a festive celebration ahead of the approaching holiday of Pesach. They invited children who are struggling with cancer to come and join them for matza baking at the “Haburas” bakery in Zanoach, a town located just outside of Beit Shemesh.

 

“We headed out for a day of recreation and matza baking together with the children,” said the CEO of United Hatzalah EMS service, Moshe Teitelbaum. “It was a very special day for the children and for us. We wanted the children to feel some joy for the coming holiday and invited them to participate in this hands on experience where they could fulfill the biblical command of the upcoming festival. We are very excited that we were able to participate in this activity, and we wish the entire populace a happy and healthy holiday.”

The children, together with the medics, took part in each step of the process of the matza baking. From the kneading, rolling and perforating of the dough, to putting the matzot into the oven and watching them bake. Due to the time constraints of the baking,  the entire process for each batch of matzot must be completed in less than 18 minutes.

At the end of the event, the children received the matzot which they themselves made. “Everyday the children deal with check-ups, appointments and lengthy treatments, that necessitate lengthy hospital stays,” added Teitelbaum. “We were happy to be able to give the children a break from their daily routine of checkups and treatments and feel the joy of the holiday.”

Shoshi, a six year old girl who took part in the matza baking said at the end of the event “It was fun to bake the matzot. We will eat them at the seder night. I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday.”