Community Magazine June 2016

38 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE H ow did it come to pass that a community rabbi and his follower undertook to sponsor the needs of two children belonging to a Jerusalem Orphanage? Rabbi Joey Haber and Mr. Allan Massry share their experiences. Mr. Allan Massry It began the week of Parashat Mishpatim this past February. Following first minyan prayers at Magen David Synagogue, Rabbi Joey Haber gave what I consider to be one of his most inspiring classes ever. He explained that Hashempossesses a special regard for widows and orphans. In fact, he said, the Torah commands us to ensure that they are provided for. He then related his own experience of several months ago. Rabbi Joey Haber Several months ago, a Chassidic rabbi approached me. “I have an orphanage in Israel called Bayit Lepletot, with a large branch referred to as Girls Town Jerusalem,” he said. He described the heart-wrenching circumstances that brought the downtrodden children there and added, “Next time you’re in Israel, stop by for a visit.” At the time, I had no immediate plans to visit Israel; however, the following week, Divine orchestration facilitated my arrival in Jerusalem with my wife. Naturally, I called the rabbi, and, together, we visited one of the four Bayit Lepletot buildings in the heart of Jerusalem’s Meah Shearim. A HOME WITH A HEART: GIRLS TOWN JERUSALEM MIRIAM SASSON why two men, rabbi joey haber and mr. allan massry, chose to sponsor children at a jerusalem orphanage