In just one month last Tishrei, Chabad shluchim around the world raised an impressive $104,415.42 through Kibid, the online platform that turns synagogue honors (kibudim) into global auctions.
Kibid, a project of DollarDaily.org, allows Jews anywhere in the world to bid on aliyos and honors, even if they aren’t physically present in shul. When a donor wins, a local stand-in goes up to the Torah while the rabbi recites a Mi Shebeirach in the bidder’s Hebrew name. The zechus and blessing belong to the donor — whether they live in Miami, Melbourne, or Montana.
The Stories Behind the Numbers
The testimonials from Kibid participants read like a collection of modern miracle stories:
A woman in New York bought Chosson Bereishis through a Chabad House in Netanya, Israel, dedicating it for her brother’s shidduch. Days later, her brother became engaged.
Miriam, another bidder, purchased Chosson Torah and paid it off over time. Just two weeks after finishing her payments, she met her future husband.
One supporter bought Chosson Torah in Nebraska and was married shortly afterward, attributing the blessing to the zechus of the kibud.
Kibid’s FAQ even cites the traditional belief: honors such as Chosson Torah, Maftir Yonah, and P’sicha of Neilah are known to bring blessings of wealth, health, children, and marriage.
What Sets Kibid Apart
Unlike local synagogue auctions where bidding happens live during Yom Kippur or Simchas Torah, Kibid moves the process online. Donors can bid from home, use “Buy It Now” options to lock in an honor immediately, or even arrange installment payments with the synagogue.
As the FAQ explains:
Free to use – Bidders never pay a fee to participate.
Flexible payments – Shuls often allow installments, just as they would locally.
Giftable – Kibudim can be purchased in merit of others, such as a child, spouse, or friend.
Worldwide access – You could be in Arkansas and win an aliyah in China.
New Features for 5785
Building on last year’s success, Kibid has introduced new features:
Bidding increments – Shluchim can set minimum bid jumps (e.g. $10, $25, $50).
Offline bids – Rabbis can log bids for supporters who prefer not to sign up online, while Kibid still tracks and updates them by email.
Auction reminders – Automatic emails alert bidders when 24 or 6 hours remain, telling them whether they’re in the lead or outbid.
Supporting Shluchim
Kibid is offered as a free service to shluchim. To help with maintenance, the platform requests a 10% contribution of what’s raised. This isn’t enforced — it runs on the honor system. “If Kibid helped you raise thousands, and it wasn’t your last nickel,” the FAQ notes, “your support helps us keep this going for everyone.”
Looking Ahead
Last Tishrei proved the model works, raising over $100,000 in just weeks. This year, with new features and growing awareness, Kibid is aiming even higher — turning aliyos and kibudim into both funding and blessing for Chabad Houses worldwide.
👉 To learn more, visit Kibid.org.
