Though we have been in Ashdod for a couple of days, Sunday was our first opportunity to get out and about in the city. It is beautiful! The beach is gorgeous, the city is modern and alive, and some of the buildings are very unique. (Be reminded that Sabbath is Friday evening to Saturday evening, so Sunday is actually a workday in Israel!)

We were blessed with a bit later start time, so were able to catch up on some sleep. By 11:00am we were on our way to Beit Hallel to pack food bags. Beit Hallel is a predominantly Russian-Israeli congregation with whom we joined in worship on Friday night. Upon arrival today, we were met by Vasily, a Russian speaker whose broken English was much better than our Russian! He set us up and we set out on our project.

Food bags were filled with an abundance of very good food, including basic sugar, flour, etc, but also lasagna noodles, pickles, salmon, cookies and other goodies. They take good care of those in need. The 4 of us cleared off 4 pallets of food, totaling approximately 250 food bags.

On Monday evening, we have the blessed privilege of helping to distribute those food bags to new Jewish immigrants. As Jews return to the land, it is incredibly difficult for them to get their feet under them. Beit Hallel provides not only food bags, but also clothing and other essentials. It is a very productive ministry.

Once our service was complete, we enjoyed early dinner at Bleecker Bakery, an incredible restaurant with unbelievably good soup. This is a “must do” for those seeking a unique experience and wonderful food in Ashdod.

Upon return to our apartment, the God of heaven presented another glorious sunset over the Mediterranean. We’re becoming spoiled by them!

It was a very gratifying day of service, and one in which we met several people from Beit Hallel who left us to do the work, but also came in to offer their thanks for our willingness to serve. What a blessing…and we can hardly wait for tomorrow night’s opportunity to distribute food bags and engage with new Jewish immigrants!

See you back here tomorrow!