On a recent Monday evening in February, more than 60 friends, family, supporters, and community members gathered at Butcher Grill House for a dinner that was both a celebration of Keren Yeshua’s recent accomplishments and a clear declaration of purpose as it steps confidently into its third year.
From the moment guests approached the entrance — decorated with festive balloons and enlivened by the sounds of a live jazz ensemble — it was clear: this was going to be an inspiring and enjoyable evening.
Inside, the room was warmly lit and thoughtfully arranged. Each place setting included carefully selected testimonials; platters of appetizers adorned the bar; and wine glasses softly clinked as friends greeted one another.
The atmosphere was joyful, elegant, and filled with heart. But for Rabbi Chaim Kaminker, founder of Keren Yeshua, it was also filled with purpose: “It was about showing the community the impact of our work — and demonstrating that we are building something that is making a real difference to families throughout our community.”
The program opened with a powerful video of the Rebbe speaking about the unparalleled nachas that parents and communities receive when they invest in their children’s education.
“There is no greater investment,” the Rebbe taught. “It pays dividends in joy and nachas.”
The message set the tone for the evening: Jewish education is not optional. It is foundational.
And when a child seeks that education, we must respond — quickly and wholeheartedly.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came when a guest shared a deeply personal story about his sister, who was desperately seeking a Jewish school for her children. She wanted them connected. She wanted them rooted. But she could not find an organization willing and ready to help.
After bumping into many closed doors, the brother was grateful for Rabbi Kaminker’s immediate response: “Let me see what I can do.” Within days, conversations were underway, and the children were soon connected to Hebrew school and Chabad programming.
For Rabbi Kaminker, the lesson is clear: “When a child seeks Jewish education, we do not make parents jump through hoops. We do not hesitate. We act.”
Another speaker, an attorney with a once-thriving practice in Israel, shared his family’s painful journey. When his wife was diagnosed with cancer, he closed his practice and moved his family to New York to access the best medical care. His world narrowed to treatments, appointments, and caring for his children.
Two daughters needed school placement. Tuition was daunting. Everything felt overwhelming.
When he reached out to Keren Yeshua, Rabbi Kaminker understood that more than a check was needed. “He showed up in person, and he made us feel not alone. He understood what it means to face illness in a family. He sat with us. He listened.”
Keren Yeshua helped fund the girls’ education — but perhaps more importantly, offered presence and dignity at a time when both were fragile for this family.
An Invitation: “Join Me”
Rabbi Kaminker ended the evening with an invitation: “This is the work I love doing—real, one-on-one work of supporting families when they are at their most vulnerable. And you can help. By supporting us, yes. But also by spreading the word and bringing ideas to help Keren Yeshua grow.”
On March 16-18, Keren Yeshua is running its second annual crowdfunding campaign. “From Barriers to Breakthroughs” to learn more about the campaign, please visit Charidy.com/KerenYeshua26
Community members are invited to join Rabbi Kaminker in his important work by serving as an ambassador for the campaign and, of course, by supporting it as well. For more information, contact Rabbi Kaminker at [email protected] or donate at
