Community Magazine October 2019

Children saved through EFRAT and its donors all donations are welcome Make the best investment in your life! EFRAT - C.R.I.B. C ommittee for the R escue of I srael’s B abies Donations by credit card can be made through our secure website at www.efrat.info U.S.A. 1274 49th St. Suite 569 Brooklyn, NY 11219 Tel: 718-697-7022 efrat@efrat.org.il Dear Friends The global Jewish community has recently been deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place in Virginia, USA, when Rav Reuven Bauman, z’’l, an esteemed educator, jumped into the ocean to save his 13 year old student from drowning. The boy was saved but Rav Bauman did not survive in the water. Rav Bauman z’’l acted in keeping with the commandment not to stand by when your fellowman’s life is at risk. We are charged to risk our own lives to save someone who is at risk of drowning, being mauled by an animal, or being attacked by bandits. A few months ago, I had the merit to bring the Psak Din of Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein shlita to Rav Kanievsky’s attention. Rav Zilberstein stated that anyone who partners with EFRAT ’s work fulfils two mitzvos: לא תעמוד על דם רעך and פדיון שבויים . Rav Kanievsky shlita himself added his own stamp to the Psak, including his personal message in which he instructed me to publicize the Psak in shuls around the world. Since 1977, EFRAT has given its partners the opportunity to fulfil these two mitzvos through the saving of Jewish children at risk of losing their lives while still in their mothers’ womb. The family of EFRAT are involved in this invaluable endeavour every day. Its donors allow EFRAT to fulfil its lofty mission. It is not possible to describe the joy and satisfaction of being active in this work. 42 years ago, when I began to combat abortion, I established an iron clad rule: it was inconceivable that life would be lost due to lack of funds. I am convinced that no one would disagree. Sadly, even now, around 100 lives are lost daily through pregnancy terminations in Israel. In light of this statistic, I experience tremendous pain every day, in the knowledge that this number could be reduced if EFRAT would only have the financial means to save more lives. In the lead up to the Yamim Noraim, we tremble from the upcoming Day of Judgment, when Hashemwill determine who will live, and Chas V’Chalila, who will not. It is at this time that I approach each of you with the opportunity for this incredible investment, one that promises the blessing of life. Who do I rely on? On the words of Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein shlita (Yated Ne’eman, 21 Tamuz 5779) ‘’There is a natural law of מידה כנגד מידה . There are situations in which the gates of Heaven are locked and prayer does not help. But the principle of מידה כנגד מידה works; it breaks down all the barriers.” One can understand that when you grant life to others, Hashem grants you life. Just a few weeks ago, an EFRAT donor informed me that he and his wife had not merited to become parents over many years. Nine months after he donated money to EFRAT to save a life, they themselves had a child of their own. Messages like these, prove time after time, that the law of מידה כנגד מידה operates in our world. In reality, a donor contributes dollar notes and EFRAT turns paper into eternal life. I invite you to come to our visitor center to witness how this happens. In the merit of saving the lives of Jewish children, may all those involved in EFRAT ’s work, be written and sealed for a good life and may Hashem fulfil all our wishes for the good. Dr. Eli Schussheim 100 children’s lives are lost daily in Israel With your donation of $1200 Efrat saves a captive baby 75,414