The machine beeped. Declined. He smiled quickly, the kind of smile people give when they are trying not to look embarrassed. “Sorry, can I try again?” He tapped the card a second time. Declined. Then another card. Declined. For a few seconds, the whole shop felt too quiet. There was a queue behind him. The cashier looked away politely. The food was already packed in bags on the counter. Bread. Tuna. Drinks. A few snacks for the children. Something simple for supper. Something

The summer holidays have not even started yet, but in our house, I can already feel them coming. Not because of trips or exciting plans. Because of food. When the children are in school, there is at least a routine. Breakfast, packed lunches, supper, Shabbos. It is still tight, but there is some structure. Once the holidays begin, everything changes. They are home more. They are hungry more. They ask for drinks because it is hot. They ask for snacks. They ask what there is fo