At an urgent gathering held Thursday evening in Crown Heights, the launch of a new community-wide mivtzoim project was announced.
The evening’s MC, Rabbi Aron Ginsburg, quoted the Rebbe’s Sicha of Chayei Sarah 5752: “The Rebbe appointed each and every one to be his shliach to spread Yiddishkeit, chassidus and the message of Geula to the entire world.
“One may wonder, what does this actually mean for me? I don’t have a Chabad house, I don’t have a community, I don’t have a kehila, How can I be shliach?”
The new project, coordinated by Tzach and Igud Avreichem, aims to involve those in Crown Heights with this directive of the Rebbe.
“Together we will create a new atmosphere here in the Shchuna,” said Ginsburg. “This will directly impact our personal families, as we can include them in the many areas of the mivtzoim.”
The project, entitled ‘Adopt-a-family’ and ‘ Adopt-a-building’ will pair up Crown Heights families with Brooklyn and Queens residents, for Mivtzoim on a direct personal level. They can visit once a week, once a month, or even just for holidays – to shake Lulav and Esrog, to make sure they all have Menorahs or Shmurah Matzah.
All families are just a 20-30 minute drive from Crown Heights.
The organizers say they will reach out with an initial phone call, letting the family know that someone will be visiting.
Cards were distributed for those wishing to join and choose their level of involvement.
Those wishing to join can fill out the card and drop it off at the LYO Office – 305 Kingston Ave. or email [email protected].
Igud avarchim keepp up the great work,we need a org like this,its so important
seems like we all had the same misunderstanding until about the end of the article. everyone seems for it so lets make it happen. the tricky part though is what you said at the end. Got to make sure no feelings are hurt. still the actual program is a very nice idea.
no one is inviting this familys shame on all of us
Whatever happened to inner circle? I know someone who volunteered for that when she was in high school but that was 10 years ago. Basically there were girls who went and helped overwhelmed mothers. I think there was also something to teach housekeeping to these mothers.
I got excited too- when I saw adopt-a-family in the headline. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be that someone had such a great idea of adopting a needy family in the neighborhood . There are, sadly, so many people who can use “mentor” families that will look after them. Make sure they have some sort of support system for whatever it might be. While this is a nice idea too, I think something like adopt-a- needy-family would be unbelievable. It is sorely needed in this community. There are so many families who can use and and who REALLY… Read more »
i also thought it was what numb 3 said. everyone adopts a family within crown heights…..we all go through rough patches and can use a friendly smile every now and then….surely this would help the community feel connected and responsible for one another. however, this is also a nice idea, nice to see positive action
It’s a great idea! But can I suggest an additional idea, one that bears out the old saying “charity begins at home”? Shimshon Stock Z’TL was very concerned about almonehs & yesomim here in Crown Heights. Before we go running to “adopt” a family in Queens, how about “adopting” a family here? Perhaps a divorced parent & kids, or a fatherless son who has no one to take him to Shul or learn with him, or a family who barely hold it together because of illness, or simply because they can’t cope. There are plenty of opportunities to help our… Read more »
Ya I also thought thats what was meant ……..To adopt a frum family that can use you or your kids in any way like make sure that they have food in the fridge or if one goes shopping she can call the other & ask whats needed or to babysit etc.
That would be real Ahavas Yisroel!!
THATS GOOD NEWS. A WONDERFUL PROJECT.
KEEP UP A PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH.
can there be something like adopt a neighbours kids meaning taking out your neibours kids if they don’t have a car offering to make supper if neighbours r having a hard week offering if they need something specific….
We participated in this type of program when we were first married in the 70’s. Once the Mitzvah Campaigns began, Tzach made contact with families all over NY, and got CH residents involved. The community was much, much smaller then, and the Rebbe made everyone feel that they have to do outreach, whether they were officially on shlichus or not. Many groups used to come for Shabbos and be hosted in CH. We had a family from Oyster Bay stay with us for Shabbos and Rosh Hashanah. Another idea that should be renewed: everyone should “adopt” regular Shabbos guests, bochurim… Read more »
what a intiative!!
yashar koach!!
i hope this will set the community as a whole back on track! i ams sure that The Rebbe is Proud!