31/03/2026
The Song that Traveled from Austria to Italy
In her nineties, Signora Elena’s world has grown smaller.
Born in Austria just before the darkness of the war, the melodies of her childhood were nearly lost to history. Today, she lives quietly in Padova, one of the many Northern Italian cities we serve from Chabad of Venice.
For years, Elena was a guest at our communal Passover Seders. But time has a way of making the world feel distant. Today, she can no longer leave her home. The stairs are too steep; the journey to the Ghetto is too long.
But at Chabad, we believe that if a Jew cannot come to the Seder, the Seder must come to the Jew.
Every week, our Yeshiva students travel to Padova to sit with her. They sing the exact same Jewish songs she heard as a little girl in Austria.
The impact hasn't stopped with her. On a recent visit, our students sat with Elena’s son. There, in his sixties, he wrapped Tefillin for the very first time in his life. One generation kept the spark alive; the next finally felt the flame.
This is the essence of Maos Chitim.
As Passover approaches, we are preparing to reach every "Elena" in Venice, Padova and across Northern Italy. We provide the Matzah, the wine and the companionship that tells our seniors: You are not forgotten.
For many, our delivery is their only link to the Jewish people.
We cannot do it without you.
Will you help us bring the "Bread of Faith" to the Jews of our region this Passover? Your gift ensures that the songs of Elena’s youth and the future of her children are never silenced.
Click below to Donate to the Passover Appeal
With blessings for a Chag Kasher V’Sameach,
Rabbi Ramy & Rebbetzin Shachar Banin
Chabad of Venice & Northern Italy
