“Michael” kisses his son on the forehead, and closes the bedroom door behind him. “Finally, the kids are all asleep,” he thinks. A heavy silence rings through the apartment, as the young father faces another night alone. Since his wife’s passing, he has spent most evenings in silence, processing his grief. A babysitter comes to watch the sleeping children and he heads out to work. Someone has to pay the rent. And right now, he’s the only someone his kids have.
This Purim, nothing could bring this young family more simcha, than a little bit of help. And when a shaliach from Vaad HaRabbanim comes knocking on their yearly matanos l’evyonim event, that’s exactly what they’ll get.
Hundreds of families in Israel currently suffer in poverty and rely on the help of organizations like Vaad HaRabbanim to pay their most basic expenses.
This year, as part of a massive matanos l’evyonim campaign, Vaad HaRabbanim has begun to collect funds to be distributed to many of the poorest families in Israel. In keeping with the strictest observance of the mitzvah, the money will be distributed on the day of Purim. Messengers will operate through the cities of Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and more, handing out cash to those who need it most. Recipients are determined before the date by a rabbinical council who reviews their details. The event’s reputation precedes it, as each year the most esteemed rabbanim in Israel are photographed participating.
In addition to the regular program, a group of emissaries will gather to pray at the tombs of Mordechai and Esther in Iran. Surrounded by kedusha in the resting place of the main players of the Purim story, the emissaries will pray for all those who donate to the campaign.
The story of Purim is that of hidden miracles, of Hashem’s chesed being carried out through the guise of nature. Those who participate in Vaad HaRabbanim’s matanos l’evyonim program are choosing to become a messenger of Hashem, in bringing comfort to those who desperately need it, on one of the holiest days of the year. Please, when you are preparing for Purim this year, do not forget those who struggle through hunger and debt to find a spark of ‘simcha.’
Donations can be sent to:
221 Regent Drive Lakewood NJ 08701
Write checks to Vaad HaRabbanim L’inyanei Tzedukah
Online: www.vaadharabbanim.com
Tax ID: 37-1456890
Fax: 1 (877) 584-8835
International Toll-Free Number: 1888-36-36-248
All donations are tax deductible. Please make donations to Vaad Harabanim.
