Rabbi Krinsky Renews Foundation

Giving Life to Life by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky

Thirty years ago, on the 22nd day of Shevat, I had the privilege of being summoned to the Rebbe’s office at his residence on President Street, in Brooklyn, New York.

The Rebbe had just returned from the funeral of his wife of 59 years​,​ Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, and had just led mincha and recited kaddish.

The Rebbe’s profound sadness was palpable, his pain indescribable.

The Rebbe spoke to me about three matters of great importance to the future of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, and wanted me to attend to them as quickly as possible.

Turning to his great loss, he said he wished to create a new charitable foundation in honor of his late wife that would serve the Jewish woman. He named the new foundation “Keren Hachomesh.” “Hachomesh” is an acronym of the Rebbetzin’s Hebrew name “Harabonis Chaya Mushka Schneerson.” The fund went on, and continues, to support various causes specific to helping Jewish women and girls, financial assistance to needy homes and needy brides.

This was the first and only time that the Rebbe personally established a new corporation. By immediately channeling his personal tragedy into a positive force for good, the Rebbe taught us a great lesson in how to approach setbacks in life.

The Rebbetzin’s name was Chaya. Chaya means life. As the daughter of the Frierdike Rebbe, and wife of our Rebbe, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka’s essence was infused with love and genuine concern for every Jewish person. It was in her DNA and her very life.

Indeed, in creating a living memorial in her memory, the Rebbe chose to establish a charity dedicated to benefit the nurturers and givers of life—the Jewish woman. Giving life to life.

Today, on the 30th yahrzeit of the Rebbetzin, Keren Hachomesh has renewed its commitment in fulfilling its mission statement, and is bringing new horizons into the work of the Foundation.

For more information and to join in this effort, go to: www.kerenhachomesh.com.