The Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) has announced a new partnership with Kosher Debt Help as part of its Financial Literacy and Financial Wellness Initiative, connecting residents with confidential, values-aligned debt guidance.
The need for debt guidance and clarity in our community is staggering. Families are trapped in cycles of high-interest debt with nowhere to turn for honest help. This partnership gives Crown Heights residents access to genuine guidance without the hidden agendas typical in the debt relief industry.”
Recent survey data confirms the scope of the problem: two-thirds of the Jewish community carries debt, with over half holding more than $20,000. The most concerning finding: only 30% have ever sought professional financial guidance.
Kosher Debt Help, an initiative under Collective Kindness, has already helped over 150 families eliminate more than $500,000 in annual interest payments in its first four months of operation. The organization offers a stark contrast to typical debt relief companies: no commissions, no product sales, and no financial incentives beyond helping families succeed.
“What makes this partnership so valuable is that it’s completely judgment-free and confidential,” adds CHJCC Acting Chairman Shmuly Rosenstein. “Families can get real answers without pressure or commitment.”
Lead debt expert Mordy Richler, a Crown Heights resident who runs a team of six and who personally eliminated $250,000 of his own debt and guides families through proven strategies to create a path forward to financial clarity.
The partnership provides Crown Heights residents with free initial consultations and personalized reviews of their credit card debt. The service costs $350 per household (heavily donor-subsidized through Daily Giving and anonymous sponsors), with accommodations available for those facing cost barriers. If cost is a barrier, families can request scholarship assistance.
The service does not offer loans, grants, or cash assistance, only honest guidance. The reality is stark: based on a Kosher Money survey, a typical family with $20,000 in credit card debt at 25% interest will pay over $60,000 across 30+ years through minimum payments alone, with only $200 of each $615 monthly payment actually reducing the principal. Kosher Debt Help’s strategies have helped families become debt-free in 2-5 years instead of decades.
The initial consultation requires no commitment and provides clarity on next steps for managing high-interest credit card balances and growing minimum payments.
We know there are many struggling, and we’re here to help. Reach out.
This is really great!
Going to help a lot of families.
Thank you to the CHJCC and Vaad Hakohol, under the leadership of Shmuly Rosenstein and run by Rabbi Marosow, for everything they are doing for Crown Heights
“The partnership provides Crown Heights residents with free initial consultations and personalized reviews of their credit card debt. The service costs $350 per household.” Which is it?
Free initial consultation. $350 if you end up using their services..
The service costs $350 per household (heavily donor-subsidized through Daily Giving and anonymous sponsors), with accommodations available for those facing cost barriers. If cost is a barrier, families can request scholarship assistance.
If custoner renegotiates their debt, it closes their credit card where you cant make new chargers, only pay off negotiated amount. As far as i know.
Now, how will they pay their kids tuition? What about food?
I dont believe people are irresponsible with their cc — they just have no choice.
Except food, there is free food available Fridays and holidays and in between. Tuition, it is hard to get any break at all.
Saving Yiddishe gelt is such a mitzvah! This is so needed! I know a few people who can benefit from this.