Chesed L’Orchim – The Machlis Way

Since 1979, Chesed L’Orchim – Machlis has been hosting spiritually uplifting and extremely meaningful Shabbat & holiday meals in the holy city of Jerusalem.

These Shabbatot and chagim are woven into impressive masterpieces by Rabbi Mordechai Machlis. His inspirational Torah thoughts on the weekly portion, his enthusiastic singing of Shabbat songs, and his clear explanations of the Jewish ritual fall on a backdrop of warmth, acceptance and true caring for all who attend. The plethora of scrumptious homemade food, prepared and served under the talented, loving and dedicated supervision of Rebbetzin Henny Machlis, flows out of the tiny kitchen to delight the body & soul – all for the honor of the Holy Shabbat.

The approximately 200 guests each Shabbat include tourists and travelers, Israeli residents and new immigrants, university, yeshiva and seminary students, the intellectually and theologically curious, the homeless, destitute, poor and lonely and all who seek a Shabbat or holiday experience for either spiritual or physical reasons.

The purpose & goals of Chesed L’Orchim – Machlis include:

To spread the joy of Judaism through positive and warm experiences.
To achieve unity by serving as an example of chesed, love and acceptance.
To expose the entire universe to the singularity and sanctity of Shabbat.
To demonstrate the true nature of Jerusalem as the ultimate city of G-d, unity and kindness.ירושלים הבנוי' כעיר שחוברה לה יחדו

In addition to the Shabbat activities and festivities, Chesed L’Orchim – Machlis provides personalized caring and assistance for the many who seek financial, social, physiological and spiritual help throughout the week. To many, this is the only home and family that they know.

For some stories about this amazing family, see here and here.

May be on your next visit to the Holy City of Jerusalem, you will step by the Machlis', and participate in their legendary Shabbat experience; I know I will try to.

Just a mischievous thought; the Machlis can fit 60-100 people in their tiny apartment every Friday night. Just imagine what a beautiful Friday night can be had for several hundred people in one of the Persian palaces in Beverly Hills. What are we waiting for, your place or mine?