How do you tell 7 children that the father they adore, their beloved, invincible family superhero, has a degenerative disease that is turning ordinary functions like speaking, chewing or swallowing, into an exhausting effort?
Tall and trim, with broad shoulders and a wide smile, Yitzy Hurwitz, a 42 year-old Chabad rabbi, was nursing big plans for his community in Temecula when he began having trouble speaking. It took months of tests to rule out other possibilities before a diagnosis of ALS was confirmed. Also known as Lou Gherig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Keeping positive in the face of his diagnosis is a test of faith, Yitzy said. “I have always taught others that everything G-d does is for the good although we don’t always see it openly. So now, when this happened to me, I have to live with this same belief and deepen my faith, so that it is not just a matter of words.”
Rabbi Hurwitz the tzadik has been suffering with ALS for years. As in past years, the family is treated to a much needed and deserved vacation at the KMR program, this year in Tampa, Florida. The challenge is to get Rabbi Hurwitz and his specialized wheelchair there. B”H the Werner family of KMR is sponsoring the family at their amazing Pesach program. We need to raise $60,000 to pay for private AIR transport.
What bigger zechus can we have then to help the Hurwitz family enjoy their Chayrus for Pesach. All donations are tax deductible.
This campaign is being organized by BCLA / Misaskim LA on behalf of the Hurwitz family.
