The chevra kadisha of San Francisco’s Sinai Memorial Chapel will once again this year practice the tradition of ma’ot chitim, or the “wheat fund.” Sinai collects money to purchase kosher-for-Passover matzah, foodstuffs and wine for those in need, ensuring they have the necessary provisions to observe the holiday.

The wheat fund traces its origins to the entreaty in the Passover haggadah to “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Today, Sinai contributes to the tradition by financially supporting agencies that feed people in need. Observing the tradition has been a Sinai custom since its founding more than 100 years ago.

Beneficiaries include the Jewish Home in San Francisco, the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living in Danville, the Northern California Board of Rabbis, S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley and the JCC of San Francisco’s Kritzer/Ross Émigré Program.

For more information or to donate, call (415) 921-3636.