A True Story, from the Lemaan Achai newsletter

From the Lemaan Achai newsletter:

17 Tammuz 5771
A True Story

Today we begin the period of the "3 Weeks" of national mourning for the Jewish nation. For 2,000 years we have experienced the pain and hardship of the galut (exile). It was senseless hatred that brought us into exile may our acts of senseless love bring us together. The story below illustrates how concern for others can literally change lives.

I have asked Lema'an Achai to publish our story as an inspiration to others like us who might need help and a motivation to those who can contribute. Please respond generously to this amazing organization.
Sincerely,
Mr. "M"

We are a family of 7 living in Israel. My wife and I always dreamed to have the "perfect" family in which we would grow old together after providing for our children and enjoy retirement with our grandchildren. I have a degree and my wife has a certificate in her field of work.

Things do not always work as planned. Although I have been employed for many years at the same job the meager salary doesn't cover our basic needs. My wife suffers from an issue that prevented her from working enough to contribute to our monthly income. Several of our children have special needs that add to our to our financial burden. Our debts kept climbing as we took more loans to cover our expenses. The stress of our financial situation began to take a toll on our marriage which in turn affected our children, 3 of whom still live at home. Although we received food packages from well meaning organizations it did little to ease the crushing pressure of financial distress.

About 2 years ago we decided to turn to Lema'an Achai. A warm and sympathetic social worker met with us in our home to evaluate our situation. After a week we were invited into the office to meet with a financial counselor. My wife was able to schedule much needed dental appointments for herself and 2 of our children. When you can't buy food or pay the mortgage a visit to the dentist becomes a luxury.

We were able to visit the Shemeshop, Lema'an Achai's second hand clothing shop. There we could by high quality clothing for just a few shekel with honor and dignity as this store is open to everyone in the community!

I met regularly with an employment counselor who guided me in the best ways to increase my income. It wasn't a "quick fix". There was much trial and error. The patience of the Lema'an Achai team is extraordinary. My wife was offered therapy to address her issues and prepare her for the employment market. All throughout we received food vouchers for use at the local supermarket as well as bi-weekly packages of staples, chicken and fresh produce. Our social worker was even able to assist us with one of our older children who was experiencing their own crisis. There was progress that was sometimes followed by major setbacks. Knowing that we had the hand, ears and hearts of Lema'an Achai was a comfort.

Our friends and family always knew that things were "tough" for us. They never knew the extent of our despair and havoc it reeked on our family life. They wanted to reach out but didn't know the right way. Thank G-d, Lema'an Achai knew, understood and was there for us when we needed them

Today, thank G-d, we are both employed and are repaying our debts through a system managed by the financial counselor at Lema'an Achai. We no longer need the regular food packages and haven't missed a mortgage or utility payment in almost 5 months!

Thank you Lema'an Achai not only for the life altering assistance that you gave but also for the modest and dignified way in which you gave it. The smiles that you see on our faces are now genuine. We no longer have to "put on a show".

We know that there are other families out there who are in similar situations.

Please help Lema'an Achai help them to stand on their own!

WE NEED YOU! This summer many families in situations like the "M" family have turned to us for Smart Chesed. Not just to receive a hand out but rather to get a hand up on their own journey to financial independence.

Donations are at all time low while the requests for help keep pouring in!


When you give tzedaka you want to know that it is being used to help people on the highest level possible!

Donate today at www.smartchesed.org
Have an easy fast!

www.smartchesed.org