What Happens When a Moisad Cannot Pay?

Would you work for free? What happens when you dedicate yourself to fulfilling the Rebbe’s mission, but the promised paycheck never materializes? 

Nine staff members of a New York Moisad have not been paid in over six months. 

With families and bills to pay, what are they supposed to do? These dedicated employees have worked for this moisad, understanding that it’s more than just a job. They are working to bring the Rebbe’s vision to life. 

But after more than six months of no pay, they cannot continue. The moisad does not have the funds to pay them, but they need food in their fridges and money to pay the bills piling up. There have been constant promises of paychecks, but nothing has materialized other than the occasional small amount, which is a negligible amount of what they are owed.

Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon, and many other  moisdos have struggled with paying their staff. However, many community organizations have restructured themselves over the past few years to ensure salaries were delivered on time. 

While this moisad is trying to deal with its financial challenges, a group of dedicated volunteers have taken it upon themselves to raise $72,000 to pay some of the money owed to these employees who have worked months without pay. They have partnered with the Righteous Fundraising Team to create a campaign for these committed staff members. This campaign has been endorsed by Rabbi Mendel Feller who shared, “The plight of these people has come to my attention and I am familiar with the Moisad and the circumstances. And they certainly need help.” 

While admitting this is not a permanent solution, it does allow the staff to pay some of their most urgent bills. 

One staff member shared, “I’m dedicated to the moisad, and I believe in its value, but at this point, I have a responsibility to my wife and children. I can’t continue like this.”

With rising living costs and an explosion of eye-catching fundraising campaigns aimed at the Crown Heights community, it can be challenging for local Moisdos to meet their fundraising needs. 

However, for these staff members, the reason why they haven’t been paid is not their most pressing worry. 

Another staff member described his situation, “All I think about is how I can pay the minimum on my credit card. Which card is not maxed out? I know a job isn’t about the money, but at this point, it’s almost all I can think about.” 

To participate in the campaign, https://righteousfundraising.com/moisad-didnt-pay/. 

For every $36 donated, your name will be entered into a raffle to win a $1,000 cash prize. 

Be a part of their solution. 

How can we solve this crisis in our community? Join the conversation and let us know how you think we can solve this issue.