Dear AABJ&D Family,
This week began the bein hametzarim, the period between Shivah Asar B'Tammuz and Tisha B’Av, when our focus is on mourning the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, as well as the many tragedies that our people have suffered throughout history during this time period.
Our Rabbis teach us that the Bais Hamikdash was destroyed due to sinaas chinam, baseless hatred, which existed among our people at the time, and which sadly continues to exist to this day. It is for this reason that our focus during this period should be on ahavas chinam, baseless love of our fellow Jew. To love our fellow means to care for and support each other both in good times, as well as during difficult times.
The AABJ&D Mitzvah Fund assists members of our shul community who are going through a challenging time financially. The fund is designed to help those in need with assistance in paying bills, emergency repairs, tuition, unexpected medical bills – and so much more. Unfortunately, increased needs have depleted the fund to an irregular low, and with economic uncertainty on our doorstep, as well as the cost of basic needs rising, this fund needs our support more than ever. While we live in a world where there are many wonderful and worthy organizations in need of funds, we are always reminded that Tzedakah begins at home, with those closest to us.
To prepare for and meet the ongoing community needs, we are embarking on an urgent campaign to raise $54,000 for the Mitzvah Fund, with the goal of increased distribution commencing with Tisha B’Av and continuing through the Chagim.
Please help us ensure that we can continue to be there with love and support for our community members in need. This is a time to go above and beyond our normal tzedakah and chesed, and ensure that our friends and neighbors have the support they need.
May our collective act of ahavas chinam merit us all to experience true redemption and be blessed with a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Please visit https://www.aabjd.org/form/mitzvah to contribute today.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Eliezer Zwickler
Rabbi Yosef Sharbat
Rich Finkelstein
Ilan Rosenrauch
