Community Magazine June 2009

42 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE The outcome is a program that is halachi- cally, legally, and practically sound. The Torah’s command to care for the widows and orphans in our midst has always been high on the list of communal priorities. Jews of every generation have extended themselves for this misva and have done everything possible to alleviate the pain and poverty faced by almanot (wid- ows) and yetomim (orphans). Today, with the cost of raising children higher than ever before, those needs have never been greater. Kol Yisrael Areivim uses modern means to bring the misva of caring for orphans and widows up to modern standards and a new level of communal responsibility and response. The innovative structure of Kol Yisrael Areivim allows everyone to take part in the misva and also benefit from the security of belonging to the group. Proven Success Successful groups of Kol Yisrael Areivim have already been established in Israel, Europe and Canada. The world Jewish response to the program has been over- whelming, as families around the world have flocked to join their local Kol Yisrael Areivim group. Unfortunately, many have also already had occasion to receive pay- ments from members after the death of a spouse. The orphans who benefited from Kol Yisrael Areivim still mourn for their departed parents – but they do not suffer from poverty. And the members of the groups affected were not overburdened with expensive dues. They paid just $6 per newly-orphaned child – $72 when a father of twelve passed away; $30 when a mother of five was taken. That is less than many would have given had they been approached by a collector on behalf of the grieving families. “When I was informed that a member of my group had died, and that there were seven orphans, I felt pained, but I also felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction. Kol Yisrael Areivim was working – and I was part of it. I felt like such a vital part of Klal Yisrael – like I really counted, and I was really making a difference.” “In the back of my mind, I keep thinking that I’m doing this not only for the orphans, but also for my children. If something, Gd forbid, happens to me or to my wife, they will be provided for.” Kol Yisrael Areivim is now in the midst of completing its first group in the United States. Though everyone sincerely hopes that the benefits will never be needed, the establishment of the group is cause for celebration. The rabbis, rosh yeshivas and community leaders who established Kol Yisrael Areivim, as well as many other supporters, are urging e v e r y - o n e t o join the holy mission of protecting the future of our community’s children. To secure a slot in the Kol Yisrael Areivim group forming now in the area, call 1-877-527-3484 or visit kolyisraelareivim.org. The unique setup of the Kol Yisrael Areivim plan offers members nothing to lose: No monthly dues. • No credit card payments without prior • notification. No organizational profits. 100 percent of • your money goes to widows and orphans. No appointments or lines. Arrange every- • thing by phone. No loss of dignity for recipients. They are • members receiving their dues. The Compelling Benefits of Kol Yisrael Areivim The power to make a difference with just $6. The opportunity to take part in establishing a viable Keren Yetomim. The satisfaction of helping to provide nearly $100,000 per orphaned child. The knowledge that participation in the program is endorsed by rabbis of the community. The security of knowing that in the event of tragedy, your children will be provided for.