The projected need is staggering: $750,000 in food vouchers and Yom Tov essentials must be distributed so every family in our community can celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and Simchas Torah with dignity.
“These aren’t strangers,” says CSSY director, Benzion Stock. “They’re our shul friends, relatives, and neighbors. People you would never imagine are quietly struggling during the holiest time of the year.”
Behind closed doors are heartbreaking realities:
A father drowning in 26% credit card debt just to buy groceries for Yom Tov.
A widow doing her best to provide a warm Yom Tov table for her children.
A once-successful businessman now spiraling into debt, ashamed to tell even his family.
CSSY’s Tishrei Campaign is not new. It was initiated by the Rebbe himself on Rosh Hashanah 5738 (1977), when the Rebbe called for a special effort to ensure that every family in Crown Heights could celebrate the Yomim Tovim with joy and dignity.
Since then, CSSY has carried out this directive faithfully every Tishrei, quietly distributing food vouchers and Yom Tov essentials to families across the community. What began as the Rebbe’s call to action has grown into a vital lifeline — one that continues to uphold his vision more than four decades later.
Bringing Simchas Yom Tov to Every Home
Every week, CSSY distributes cash vouchers to 150 families in Crown Heights. But in Tishrei, the demand surges. Families who would otherwise be unable to afford wine, challah, or even basic groceries rely on CSSY to make Yom Tov possible.
Already in 5785, CSSY has provided $3.7 million in completely anonymous assistance — from groceries to therapy sessions, to covering urgent bills before shutoff. But with the unique expenses of Tishrei, the need is far greater.
“This month is about Simchas Yom Tov,” Stock explains. “Every family deserves to sit at their Yom Tov table with dignity and joy. CSSY is committed to making that happen — but we need the community’s help.”
Every Gift Matters Before Yom Tov
CSSY stresses that every contribution makes a difference, especially when given now:
$360 One family’s Seudas Yom Tov
$500 Prevents a ConEd shut-off before Yom Tov
$1,200 Feeds a family for all of Tishrei
$25,000 A year’s worth of groceries for a family
The Time to Act Is Now
CSSY urges the community to act quickly: funds must be distributed before Yom Tov so that every family can sit down to their table with dignity.
“No family should have to choose between debt and Simchas Yom Tov,” Stock concludes. “When we do our job well, no one knows we did. But our neighbors feel it. And that’s what matters.”
Donate now at: www.CSSY.org/Tishrei
Cash App: https://cash.app/$CSSYcashapp
PayPal: paypal.me/CSSY
Zelle: [email protected]
-Thank you to everyone who donated!
As a bachur i was so touched and moved by Reb Shimson Stock A”H who would go around 770 starting selichos night and was able to urge people to give generously. He wasnt ashamed to do what it takes…Say what it takes….to encourage people to give. Today this holy mosad is continued by his son Benjy לאורך ימים. Who is a blazing fire in his own right. This holy mosad was started and strongly encouraged by the Rebbe. Give generosly, You and your family will be blessed with a gut gbencht yur. a שנה טובה ומתוקה