On February 25th, over 65 guests attended Keren Yeshua’s first annual dinner, an evening filled with warmth, joy, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring every Jewish child receives the education they need and deserve.
When guests arrived, they were welcomed by an elegantly decorated venue, a warm ambiance, the uplifting sounds of live jazz, and the unmistakable energy of people united for a cause greater than themselves.
The program began with Rabbi Chaim Kaminker, Keren Yeshua’s Director, explaining why he founded Keren Yeshua. First, he quoted the Rebbe, who frequently emphasized the importance of Jewish education: “The efforts and investments we make in adequately educating our children and grandchildren, despite the obstacles, will pay off in our immense joy and satisfaction as we watch them grow.” Rabbi Kaminker also spoke about his son Shua z”l, in whose memory he founded Keren Yeshua: “I can’t think of a better tribute to Shua than our essential work at Keren Yeshua. There is nothing better than helping a child who struggles to find their place so they feel valued and accepted.”
Throughout the night, stories of transformation and resilience were shared, underscoring the vital work accomplished by Keren Yeshua during just its first year and a half in existence. Impressively, the organization has already touched the lives of over 30 families and more than 50 students, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive in a Yeshiva. In addition, numerous other families have recently reached out for help, reinforcing the nonprofit’s ongoing mission to expand its reach.
Among the moving testimonials was the story of *Sarah and her mother, Mrs. Tzipora P., who referred to meeting Rabbi Kaminker as “the miracle [she] needed at just that moment.” When they met, Sarah was struggling in a public school environment rife with antisemitism. With Keren Yeshua’s help, Sarah reenrolled in an appropriate Yeshiva that met her needs. Sara said it offered her a renewed “sense of belonging and joy in [her] Jewish heritage.”
Another presenter, Mr. Yossi M., shared his journey of seeking help for his son, emphasizing the organization’s life-changing impact. “I reached out in July, and since then, Keren Yeshua has been a source of unwavering support. I feel like I’ve gained a best friend for life.”
Mr. Jeremy Herber, owner of Rides to Fly and a valued event sponsor, reflected on parents’ financial burdens when struggling to keep their children in school. “Imagine the stress of being unable to pay tuition and fearing your child will be expelled. The work of Keren Yeshua ensures that no family has to endure that alone.”
Rabbi Kaminker also introduced an impressive group of educational and mental health professionals who have agreed to serve as an advisory board available to help with cases needing their expertise. In this regard, Rabbi Kaminker introduced Mrs. Miriam Zeisman, a highly experienced special educator “who reached out several months ago, offering to get involved and hasn’t stopped since. She has been intimately involved in helping six deserving families in the last month alone.” In asking Mrs. Zeisman why she became involved, she commented, “I have been passionate about this issue and for years have been trying to advocate on behalf of these children.
I’ve seen this over and over again: kids stuck at home…. A Yeshiva education is not a luxury. It’s a right. We have to find ways to keep these children in their schools.” Mrs. Zeisman recruited other members to create a well-rounded advisory board, including Mrs. Yudit Yampel, a school psychologist and mental health counselor, and Mrs. Jenny Issacson, a well-connected and skilled speech therapist.
Finally, the evening introduced an exciting new crowdfunding campaign to be launched later this month (March 24-26) in honor of Shua’s Bar Mitzvah, which will be celebrated on the 3rd of Nisan this year (April 1). Guests were encouraged to participate by becoming matchers and sponsors and/or creating team pages to amplify fundraising efforts.
Shua’s aunt, Mrs. Chavi Niasoff, announced that she would lead Shua’s VIP Team, rallying support to ensure every child could experience the joy of Jewish education. Mrs. Niasoff spoke movingly about Shua and his legacy, urging attendees to give in his honor. “Shua can’t give, but you can. Help a child recapture their joy, say Shema, and feel the warm embrace of the community.” She also relayed a beautiful idea expressed by the Rebbe: “Though a child may no longer be physically present, their soul continues to receive care packages through good deeds performed in their merit.”
As Keren Yeshua is a young and growing organization, this dinner provided the first opportunity for Rabbi Kaminker’s friends and extended family to see and appreciate the formidable difference he is making in the lives of so many families. His sister, Mrs. Chani Kaminker, noted: “To see the scale and scope of what he’s working on is just beautiful. And this is just the beginning. It makes me proud.”
It is abundantly clear that Keren Yeshua’s first annual dinner was not just a fundraiser but a testament to the strength of community, the power of giving, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring every child has a place where they belong. The event set the stage for a year of growth and impact, with many attendees inspired to take action and support the organization’s vital mission.
For more information about Keren Yeshua and ways to get involved, please visit www.kerenyeshua.org or contact Rabbi Kaminker directly at [email protected].
*The names of the individuals and families we work with have been changed to protect their identities.
Keren Yeshua strives to help these deserving families professionally, compassionately, and discreetly.
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You save lives, in more ways than one
for this incredible work!
Much continued Hatzlacha!