Masbia

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Masbia is a humanitarian organization located in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn NY, whose stated mission is to feed the hungry in a respectful and dignified manner. Masbia is the only full service free soup kitchen serving kosher food in New York City. Amidst rising hunger among Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn and what the Food Bank for New York City refers to a "stigma" about poverty among this population, the Orthodox soup kitchen Masbia serves a large number of Brooklyn Jews. Masbia currently serves kosher food to many people on weekdays. Unlike traditional free soup kitchens, in keeping with the Jewish principle of doing charity without making the recipient feel as though they are getting a hand out, Masbia has the look and feel of a restaurant with waiter service in a nice dining hall. Masbia is the Hebrew word for satiate.

[edit] History

Masbia was founded in April of 2004 by a group of activists from the Orthodox Hasidic Jewish community who undertook to establish the Masbia kosher soup kitchen.