Last Thursday night, nearly 400 people gathered at the Chabad Russian Center of Sunny Isles, Florida, for an evening of music and meaning. The stage belonged to Jewish music legend Mordechai Ben David, joined by his son Yeedle Werdyger, whose timeless voices lifted the room. But the heart of the evening was not the concert – it was the mission behind it: JGifts – Feeding Family Dignity.
The night opened with a warm buffet and lively conversation. Supporters, both longtime and new, came together around one idea: that no Jewish family in South Florida should ever feel the shame of hunger.
On screen, the story of Rabbi Yossi and Nava Raskin unfolded – their personal journey through illness, financial loss, and rebuilding with faith. Out of that experience came JGifts’ unique model: discreetly distributing grocery gift cards through community rabbis, so that struggling families can walk into Yom Tov with dignity intact.
Then came a moment of artistry and resonance: as the film reached its most poignant note, MBD and Mendel Raskin, son of Yossi and Nava, stepped onto the stage to sing Daddy Dear. Their voices, woven into the storyline, brought tears to many eyes and turned the evening into something unforgettable.
Though not billed as a fundraiser, the message spoke for itself. Many pledged support on the spot, inspired by JGifts’ ambitious goal to raise $500,000 before Rosh Hashana to support over 500 families and teachers across South Florida. Every dollar donated goes directly to a family’s gift card.
As Rabbi Raskin put it:
“There is no better gift than giving another Jew the dignity to stand tall on Rosh Hashana.”
This is JGifts’ call for the new year. Visit JGifts.org/rh to join the mission. Because nothing is sweeter than family dignity.
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