Looking for a Beacon of Light

hope[COMMUNICATED] By Simmy Horwitz. Binyomin and Tzivi Waldman* were just like any other couple on their block: hard-working, occasionally harried, typically happy, grateful for their family and always busy. But when they welcomed the birth of their fifth, life ground to a sudden halt. Little Sruly required extensive medical attention and countless procedures, costly and timely processes that ate away at the Waldman’s reserves…emotionally, financially and monetarily. As they struggled to juggle their numerous responsibilities – each one pressing and of critical importance – Binyomin and Tzivi felt the weight of their burden begin to crush down…

For families going through a crisis, the biggest stressors can sometimes be the everyday expenses that, under normal circumstances, are taken into account. Large monthly expenses, such as grocery bills and tuition payments, must be paid, yet within the turmoil of an emergency situation, they are suddenly unmanageable.

Thus was born the Hope Organization.

“Often, people think the crisis is over, because the sick family member is home, or the initial problem is solved, but what they don’t see is that a pocket of debt has collected that is irreconcilable for the family,” explains Hope Organization founder, Mr. Eli Goldring. “After seeing this happen numerous times, we sat down with rabbanim and came to the conclusion that groceries and tuition payments can be the two largest costs where the burden collects the most.”

For families like the Waldmans, the effort to stand back up after such a crushing blow is strenuous enough, but when the weight of debt that has now accumulated is placed on their shoulders as well, it is often too heavy to carry.

After six months of obtaining private funding, the Hope Organization is now opening their coffers to the community at large.

“We have a very fast-paced, growing community,” says Mr. Goldring, “and that means that a lot of situations such as these are happening all over town. It’s becoming almost impossible to keep up with the demand. It’s unfortunate to say, but at this point, there are more needs than funds.”

The Hope Organization is appealing to donors of all means to unite in our common goal of helping our fellow Yidden during their times of true tzara. With all marketing and related costs covered by sponsors, every penny that is donated will go directly to a family in need.

Hope is now introducing their “$1 Erev Shabbos Fund.” Becoming a member is easy and accessible for just about any budget: sign up to donate $1 a week, to be withdrawn automatically every Friday, and gain the zechus of helping another family enter Shabbos with that much more menuchas hanefesh.

Donors who join the $1 Erev Shabbos Fund are performing the mitzvah of tzedakah in a truly optimal way. With the recurring nature of tuition and groceries, a reliable, recurring donation is a befitting way to take part in actively lifting the burden off a fellow Yid’s back.

Of course, any and every amount is welcome in recurring monthly payments or as a one-time gift, and those who are able to contribute further can revel in the wonderful feeling of helping in an even greater way.

On behalf of these local families in crisis, it is you who can make the difference.

To join our mission to help families in crisis around town, donations can be submitted in multiple easy ways. Text or call The Hope Organization at 973-306-4673; visit our website at http://www.hopeorg.org/ ; email us at [email protected]; or submit the enclosed, pre-paid envelope.

Names have been changed*

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