Moscow’s Shaarei Tsedek Charity Center launched a humanitarian drive last week to provide some 15,000 needy Jewish individuals and families with food packages in time for the holiday of Purim, which begins Thursday night.

In addition to the standard items contained in the packages (which the charity center distributes on a regular basis), Moscow’s needy Jews will also receive the traditional Purim baked treats called hamentashen, as well as chocolate coins and informational Purim brochures.

The Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia operates the Shaarei Tsedek Charity Center. …