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Jewish Life - Here and There, Then and Now

10/08/2012 11:21:14 AM

Aug10

In nearly two hundred, cities, towns and villages throughout Eastern Europe there is an active Jewish presence today, manned for the most part by young Chabad couples and their children. In twenty years, often a lot less, they have done wonders. There are schools, camps, shules, mikva'ot.
 
There is however little comparison to what once was - where all you would have to do was step into the street and you would know that it was Shabbos, you would feel the Jewishness.  If so, what are these young, courageous Shluchim doing in these places, far removed from families and friends? Attempting to ensure that the few Jews left by Hitler, and the little Judaism left after Stalin, is not eliminated entirely by the ninety per cent assimilation rate.
 
There is however one thing that unites the Judaism of today with that of a century ago. In every city and shtetl there were Chevrot (societies) that ensured that the poor would have food to eat, clothes to wear, education for their children. And today too, Chabad ensures that there are soup kitchens open daily, no one is without a lavish meal for Shabbat or Yom Tov, no child is a victim of neglect or deprived of a Jewish education.  This caring was THE most beautiful aspect of our entire trip.
 
It pains me to tell you that in Sydney today there are families who are REALLY struggling. We are unfortunately not in a position to supply all their needs. But over the past twenty years we have been helping a growing number of families, currently around seventy five, to at least enjoy Pesach and Rosh Hashana. 
 
Your past generosity has helped us achieve this. But we are out of funds. In order to maintain our work the Simchas Yom Tov Fund needs to raise $40,000 over the next few weeks.
 
Do the numbers. You know how many families we are helping. You know how much food costs. 
 
We appeal to you to do what you can to help.
 
Rabbi Benzion and Henya Milecki
 
Thu, 19 June 2025 23 Sivan 5785

Why Didn't You Take the Money and Run? - https://t.co/oyVOhl8cPM

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