Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Please allow me to express my utmost gratitude to Hashem for giving me the Zechus to unite all of us with participation in the great Mitztva of Maos Chitim, and special thanks to the Rebbe for giving me the strength to do my job in the Rebbe’s Shechuna.
Thankfully, I am not alone in this task, in fact, 182 people, so far, have contributed money towards Maos Chitim to buy Matzos and other essentials to benefit families in Crown Heights, and that number is growing. Every person that I have spoken to has pledged with an open hand and with a smile, and many thanked me for giving them the opportunity to contribute. Many of the donors are not from Crown Heights and some are not even from New York State.
Special thanks to my family and close friends that, not only contributed money but helped me collect from others. Additionally, several people that came to collect tickets for the distribution, donated significantly towards the cause and I thank them for that. It is this type of unity that humbles me and makes me feel thankful to Hashem that I am part of such a great community, a community that I continue to serve with pride.
The list of donors will be brought to the Rebbe’s Ohel before Pesach, b’n, to request a special blessing for all the participants of this very special mitzvah. By participating in this Mitzva, we ask the Rebbe, our father, to recognize and distinguish the sons and daughters that reach into themselves to share bread with their siblings before Pesach, and as Chassidim we know that the Rebbe would not allow for our prayers to remain unanswered, especially when we are working hand-in-hand to help one-another in this manner.
The ticket distribution to register for food and Matza was yesterday, Sunday 3/23, between 130pm and 330pm. The registration was located at the CHJCC on Kingston Avenue. Since then, several people have expressed their dismay about the public display of consumers waiting on line outside the CHJCC for an extended period of time and that this may have caused members of our community to experience embarrassment.
Under different circumstances I might not have responded to the complaints publicly, and in fact I expressed my apologies to the consumers personally during the waiting time, but in this case, and dealing with this holy community, I feel compelled to respond publicly because I am certain that the complaints are not mindless ones but rather the complaints are an expression of legitimate concern of each person among us to care and feel the burden of our brothers and sisters. I therefore take all the complaints very seriously, I take it to heart as constructive criticism and I work to steadily correct and improve my performance each year.
Firstly, and without reservation I extend my personal apology to anyone that may have been offended or embarrassed by the manner in which the registration took place, and I ask you to please forgive my oversight regarding this particular matter.
In addition, please accept the following explanation, not as an excuse for the way the matter was handled but rather simply to inform the consumers, the donors and the public of the considerations made before reaching this result.
Every year for the past three years I have worked to provide food for families before Pesach. Pesach is a very expensive holiday and families that would generally not need financial assistance, do need the extra help on Pesach.
My objective is to get the highest available quality to the greatest number of needy families in Crown Heights. Every decision is measured by whether or not it furthers the stated objective.
In past years, the ticket distribution and the food distribution was more discrete, the food distribution was conveniently located in Crown Heights, but that discreteness and the convenience of local food distribution came at a heavy price.
The two greatest complaints in past years were, 1) that members of the community were not informed about the ticket distribution, because many don’t have access to the internet, and therefore missed the date, and 2) the quality and selection of food was inferior to other similar and related distributions.
This year the ticket distribution was advertised more than ever before, not only online but also in every shul. Additionally, while the ticket distribution was scheduled for 1:30pm-3:30pm, it extended until 7pm. This year, more than 300 families received tickets, compared to last year’s 200 families. More than 60 families signed in after 4:00pm, not because they were late, but because they did not know about the distribution until they saw the line on Kingston Ave.
Dear friend, please recognize that 60 families benefited nearly $500 worth of assistance because of seeing the line outside. Also consider that this was not the intended benefit of having a line on Kingston Avenue, but it is a benefit nonetheless, and there are an additional 60 families in our community that will have the help they direly need for this holiday, as a result.
I am certainly not qualified to measure the benefit to these additional families against even one moment of embarrassment to a yid standing on line for a minute longer than comfortable, but in a very specific way the objective has been furthered to benefit a greater number of people for Pesach.
In past years, thousands of dollars were set aside to pay for transport of the food to be delivered from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Crown Heights, and the distribution of the food in Crown Heights was scheduled only after every other distribution was complete. It was this task of transport that realistically caused for our community to lack the benefit of the valuable and scarce items, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and grape juice, items that were gone by the time the transport set out to Crown Heights.
With the intention of addressing this problem, I met with Oneg Shabbos, the food source, and asked to have my community served with priority, that is to say that I was making a special request that we get first. In order to further the goal for quality and in order for my request to be granted there were conditions that had to be met, including conditions that required the director of Oneg Shabbos in Boro Park to personally handle the distribution of tickets in Crown Heights in order to cross-reference the registration against two separate lists. Additionally, for the request to be granted, and for practical reasons (that include assignment of funds to food and matza as opposed to labor and transport) the food distribution would have to take place in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which would allow for easy automobile access and larger quantities of food to be distributed, as opposed to a location in Crown Heights.
This past Sunday at 130pm-330pm, was the time available for the ticket distribution and I thank Ms. Deutsch, of Oneg Shabbos, for taking difficult steps to change the scheduling of other obligations to extend the time of her service accepting registration until 7pm.
It seems that this year we may have improved with parts while other considerations still need improvement, please join me in my effort to make this community reach the potential the Rebbe saw in every one of us, I am ready and able to partner with you in this effort. Please call the CHJCC if you want to contribute money, volunteer, or offer rides to people that don’t have cars. Many people have taken me up on this offer and they can attest that there is a lot of work to do and there is no one better to do it than you and me.
The work is not easy, and the results are not perfect, but the success is measured by improvement as opposed to perfection, there is only ONE Perfect, and may He, Hashem, bless each and every one of us, our families and friends, for a Kosher and Freilichen Pesach.
Very truly yours,
Devoted public servant,
Zaki Isaac B. Tamir
Whenever a capable leader organizes a well meaning and much needed allocation of assets to our very own community members who are struggling there will always be “criticizers”.
Any possible negativity, be it real or imagined, that might have resulted is overshadowed by the enormous relief our brothers & sisters received as a result of Zaki’s unique people skills!
Zaki, please don’t ever step down!!! Crown Heights needs you!
i didnt feel embarassed at all while standing on line, it was a little anoying waiting outside, but i i only started feeling uncomfortable now when everyone is saying how embarrassing it must be. i didnt see anyone on line appear to be self-conscience or hiding, it felt more like, well.. if the community was able to get us free stuff for yom tov and i could use the help, why not get on line. i dont know what other people were feeling in their hearts, but i dont see why it should be so embarrassing
Now THAT’S a good idea!
Zaki! Good …. Better … best… Please don’t rest until your good is better and your better is the BEST! Thank you for apologizing publicly… Many pple will learn from this mistake and work on giving privately because of this publication.
For future reference: People should not have to endure extended periods of time pursuing assistance, even in private. The longer they are in the state of pursuing assistance the more downtrodden they could justifiably become. Also, it is causing embarrassment to be seen when seeking assistance even by others who are doing the same, therefore a method that maintains the maximum level of privacy, even from their fellow receivers should be mantaned, to the greatest extent possible (online, phone, mail-in registration), in-vehicle pickup in an out of the area location. Assistance should not be limited due to oversized packaging. Many,… Read more »
You are the best:)
The registration should occur online. The committee can then make their assessment, if there are some people who should not be asking, they can be contacted by email and told in a diplomatic manner, that there request cannot be fulfilled this time around. All the others, the vast majority can be send their voucher electronically. People who do not have cars to pick up their supplies, should be given another email address were they can request a ride from volunteers or another who is going themselves with a voucher. Further, the produce should be of a medium standard otherwise it… Read more »
I waited on line for hours and when I finally got inside the women that gave out the vouchers for the food, asked me how many people are in your family, and I told her 2 and she told me for 2 people it is to much, I understand that I really didnt need 50;lb bag of onions and etc, but they could of came out and told the people standing on line that the bags they are giving out are 50lb or more, so a lot of people would of not been standing on line for hours.
Thank you, Zaki!!!!
Zaki is the best!!!
1. 2. 3. 4. Go Zaki!!!!!
Published!!!
Caring is not enough- we are not ‘cardiac Jews’, it’s the action which is most important. Surely none of the members of the community council would have enjoyed being on that infamous line themselves. If he really cares, which I agree with you he probably does, things will be different next year.
Sometimes in municipal or community initiatives bureaucracy takes over and the personal aspect is lost and it’s easy to lose sight of the recipient’s experience. As a guide, before extending services to the community, simply follow the Torah directives of putting yourself in another person’s shoes and not doing something in a way that you would not want others to do it to you.
I don’t under stand why the rabbis don’t say anything about the amount of money that is wasted on Purim specially when Pesach comes right after
it can be done in a very simple way. just like the coats 4 the needy u call a number leave name and they get back to u as to where to pick them up. and in this case after u have the name and address it could have been sent in the mail just like cssvy sent the flyer out to those that they thought need it
Yes, I waited quite sme time for my voucher. but you know what? I am THANKFUL that I am in acommunity where people are helping others. I am a balas tzeshuvah and I have seen many other communities and lifestyles. NO ONE has a open heart like this one. Zaki thank you for your letter and thank you for your help. May hashem give you the strength and the means to continue organizing such program in crown heights.
Can anyone in this community ever be appreciative? Stop critisizing and start appreciating what people are doing for others. If you have a better idea, then gezunterheit- start a “better” system. Doesn’t seem like anyone wants to do anything but complain.
Thank you Zaki for helping many families and actually CARING about others. Unfortunatelly we dont see many of people like you these days.
well, I saw the line twice yesterday and had no idea what it was for. I saw somebody I know in it, but I just smiled and waved and went on my way. Just a tip, you don’t always need to be so interested in other people’s business.
But I do think it sounds condescending to be referred to as ‘needy’. Everyone in golus is ‘needy’ of one thing or another. I find it more embarrassing to see young ladies in their late 20’s who don’t yet have to wear a shaitel, for example.
As for the example of having people fill out and mail forms, youwill spend much time chasing them down and sending many reminders.
Zaki, I see firsthand how you take this mitzvah to heart and expend time, energy and money to make sure every family of the Shchuna has enough Matzoh for Pesach.
May it be a Zechus for yourself, your Eishes Chayil who supports all your good work, and your family.
Zaki can be my lawyer any time!–not exceptionable. there has to b a better way!
until the last paragraph which does indeed sound like excusing himself by saying that he is not perfect instead of a commitment to finding a different way so that no-one will be embarrassed or made to wait in a long line ever again.
On Purim, when it is a mitzva to give a person money on the day, millions of pounds are put in envelopes and slipped through peoples doors to help them with Pesach needs. This is what is done in London.
Zaki and all your volunteers, yasher koach!
May i make a suggestion please.
Maybe you can arrange another time and another way for those families in need who left the line to get assisstance? Reading the comments here it is clear to me that there are families that need but it was painfully embarassing to them to stay on the line in the street.
Tizku lmitzvos!
I lost focus before I got close to the apology…
Williamsburg gives out more help, ujo and private orgs. They don’t seem to have any lines for help.
Since everyone goes to sell their Chometz through the Rabbonim, it would not be embarrassing to stand in line at the Rovs office…and yet even better, let the Rov give the vouchers so it is done discreetly
60 families signed up because they saw the line on Kingston.
600 families would have signed up, if there was no line on Kingston
(ever here of a website, email, mail, phone, fax…)
This has nothing to do with bashing Zaki Tamir. There are hundreds of people in the community, many of them hard working who cannot make ends meet. Do you have any idea what it is like to to work from morning to night, both parents, resort to using babysitters and begging family and friends to help take care of your children without being able to make ends meet? Yes, it’s wonderful help is available, but the help shreds the last few ounces of dignity left. I truly bless you, those who have bashed and been unsympathetic to never ever know… Read more »
Bengy (w your father Shimshon), thanks for always being sensitive and giving discretely without fanfare, pictures and lines. That’s truly putting yourself in the needy’s shoes. NO ONE SHOULD EVER HAVE TO BE EMBARRASSED!! PLEASE TAKE THIS LESSON TO HEART! If you need to post pictures, don’t post of faces!
You are a wonderful man! Kudos to you for writing this letter, many in your position would have not done so. A close friend of mine waited in line yesterday for more than an hour. Without going into details, It was a VERY painful experience. (This cannot be compared to using Foodstamps or Medicaid for abvious reasons.) Zaki, maybe you can get a gvir in CH to give a substancial bonus to those who endured the embarrassment yesterday so they can cover a drop more of their nessecities and uplift their yom tov. Mr Tamir your hard work does not… Read more »
A real man apologizes when he failed even if unintentionally.
Call cssy or benji stock or zaki. Or write a anonymous note that Yukel Todros needs food a d clothes for Yom tov. Even if yukel Todros is you. If you are too ashamed to do it, you might deprive your family of the mitzvah of vsa.achta Bchagecha chv. Sad wives and bitter teens are bad news on yom tov.Just ask the Rav if you don’t believe me. Thanks so much to all the givers like zaki, benji and Mrs Scheiner. May all who stood in the line this year have money to give to others for pesach next year.… Read more »
Are we embarrassed to use EBT cards? That we have medicaid? It’s so expensive to support a family, of any size, you need to earn triple digit salaries, and even if 2 parents are working, you still can’t make ends meet. So don’t be embarrassed that you/we can’t earn enough money to cover all our expenses, with tuition and Yom tov, and clothes and camp any the list goes on. Let’s not forget about CH rents!
This is the story of two realities It seems like the people who are praising the action of Zaki and the organization he is heading are the people who never has to wory about being needy Then there are the comments of those who at least once in their lives experienced the embarrassment of being needy And so the story is of the fortunate and the less fortunate each seeing things from their point of view But the mitzvah of tzdakah is not for the giver to feel good about themselves for giving! It’s to give! And it’s to make… Read more »
BH
BSD
IF THERE IS SUCH A THING AND SILENT AUCTIONS
COULD THIS WHOLE DISGRACE NOT HAVE HAPPENED
IN THE FIRST PLACE?
WE ARE SUPPOSED THE MODEL OF AHAVAS YISROEL
Everything in this letter is nice and good.
But it doesn’t explain why they had to do this at the Community Council, at the corner of Crown and Kingston.
They could have found another location to ask people to line up on the outskirts of the community, where they would not be the center of attention. Beis Rivkah at Crown and Nostrand would have been one obvious choice.
And yes, I am one of those who did not join the line out of sheer embarrassment. Should I feel better now that 60 others benefited?
It almost sounds like some comments are a sort of ‘backlash’ defending Zaki Tamir from what is perceived as the ‘unreasonable’ suggestions of concerned citizens as to how to make the receiving process less traumatic for the recipients. It’s a correct and proper thing for the people to speak their needs in any municipal undertaking. I am sure that Zaki Tamir is intelligent enough to see it as such.
I never comment on this website. However, I am compelled to now. I greatly laud the amazing work that the chjcc does and realize that much effort, energy, time, and thought, go into each initiative. I was personally helped in the past from such programs and know how much relief it brings to families. Each and every donor or volunteer is truly doing a tremendous mitzvah and should be thanked and appreciated for their service. They should be blessed for their generosity. Yet, the oversight in this arrangement is completely inexcusable. The lack of sensitivity to human dignity is beyond… Read more »
This is not a criticism as such of the Community Council but a call for awareness: Notwithstanding the fact that probably no one was staring at anyone and there are so many families in need in Crown Heights that it is normal to receive some assistance- Still, I know that I personally would rather starve c”v than be seen on line waiting for the dole. I would not expect other people to have to do that. Sometimes one is so full of satisfaction and self-congratulation at being the bestower of bounty to the needy, that we forget that, per shulchan… Read more »
zaki is the man! He is a mentch. not to common anymore
I was just visiting from out of town and was amazed by how many people needed help and by the fact that they were made to stand on line outside in a public display. I think the concept of Matan B’Seser should be the ultimate goal. And at the very least to try and keep it as discreet as possible.
Call the Council: 718-771-9000 – speak to Eli Cohen.
Always organizing positive things within the community. May we all learn from him. He’s so dedicated to helping others.
Zaky we love you.
The people wrote with love and you responded with love.
Your a great example of a true leader.
The idea of Maos chitim is dignity. This was ill conceived . Yashar coach for trying and doing so much but this was insane
I WAS HUMULIATED JUST WATCHING people I knew and asking like an idiot what they were waiting for
For those of us who had to leave the line and didn’t get the voucher – what now? can we still get it?
This must be the fourth year that Zaki arranged giving out Matzos to families in the schuna. May Hashem bentch him and all who took part in this wonderful mitzvah.
Criticize as much as you want- when push comes to shove Zaki gets things done. Kol Hakavod. Truly inspiring.
I’ve worked with Zaki personally- he cares so much about every single Jew it’s incredible. Keep up your good work! Without you families in crown heights wouldn’t have Matzos at their Seder.
This is not an apology, it’s an explanation. If people don’t like it than let than get off their rear end and do something. We live in a practical world. Besides the CHJCC is a government sponsored program, and government can’t be trusted to do things right. Also, we are RELIANT on oneg shabbos, an organization from a different community and are subject to their whims. If we we want what we want how we want it than we have to have a stronger presence. We don’t.
i desperately need the money but was dead embarrassed to wait there in full view of my high school students
what to do?
okay. and at the end of the day look how many people he helped make happy and proud this Yom Tov.
Moshiach now. May no one be of need for this service
Thank you Zaki for being such a devoted servant of our community
Zaki has only the purest intentions . You are doing a amazing job and could not ask for any more.
With all due respect,
I believe it is an abdication of duty, in 2014, to not provide a link for people to donate.
Never have I heard a politician speak so openly and honestly. I am impressed with his integrity, that he can tell the while truth, and be ready to say that he will do better next time…The rebbe is proud of you Zaki. I am sure that I speak for more than a few families in Crown Heights.
I just read this letter to the community, how kind and caring this gentleman is. I think it’s important to not use the word (needy) anymore, I see it written in so many places, does it have to be used when a person is helping another. Zaki, I don’t know you, but you are great. Please pass on the word to omit (needy) because we are all needy, we all need love, we all need comfort, we all need help in many ways, otherwise man would be a robot. So whomever reads this, and remembers to omit the word needy… Read more »
Zaki ,you are truly an inspiration and I am proud to know you.
Thank you for your hard work
ML
Most people
Thank You Zaki!
a mentch, a chosid, a shliach.
for every stupid thing they can deliver and/or mail fliers to EVERY door, but for this they can’t ??
In my community everything is done by mail. Those seeking help call a phone line. A form is sent, where the recipient fills out such details as # of adults/children etc. and a reference of a Rav or other respected individual who can vouch for the family and their financial situation. Once accepted the recipient receives vouchers to the value of what the organizers consider resonable based on family numbers. The vouchers are in different catagories for Meat/Chicken, Fish, Fruit/Vegetables & general groceries, they can only be spent at specific stores, but they cover almost every jewish food business in… Read more »
I was an active participant in yesterday’s Facebook ranting about the badly handled distribution. I am a fan of a lot of what Mr Tamir does for this community both inside and outside (Aliyah institute) his CHJCC role. Its nice that he acknowledged and was transparent about the error, and he even went further and pointed out issues with previous years lesser quality items. However I think the regular people in this community didn’t blow up because of this ONE event, for most of us it was the final trigger on many years of frustration with the way the CHJCC… Read more »
I apologize for starring at the line on Sunday I honestly just wasn’t quit sure what I was starring at . If it was you I was starring at please forgive me.
Anonyms
Kudos to you, Zaki for all the work you do on behalf of the Community. For my money, you can stay in that chosheve position for another 4 years, but is there any talk or movement for new elections?? Do the elections coincide with Presidential elections? What’s the time table we should be concerned about?
Truly amazing to see someone that works so selflessly!
Wow Zaki really has a big heart and because of him families in crown heights have food on their table on Pesach
Keep up the good work!
I waited on the line for awhile but left after someone came over to me and told me that waiting on Kingston Ave is embarrassing. I waited another few minutes and when the line was barely moving, I just left. Thank you Zaki and anyone else involved, I’m not angry or bitter about it. I really do need the help but will have to figure something else out this year. Pesach is really really difficult to make. I don’t make ends meet the whole year and Pesach really throws some loops. It’s not only about food, the inability to buy… Read more »
In addition to putting up notices in Shuls and on the internet, there should be flyers given out to each household as well as in schools. Furthermore, a different location should be used for voucher pick up.
Nevertheless, it takes a man of true character to apologize. Kol hakovod.
People waited outside for3and half hours in the cold, some with kids- only to find the frustration of having to give the number and address to a lady – who typed it out. That was the problem! Obviously the names had to be cross matched on two lists – but the method was not effective. The frustration of having the lady type in your name and waiting 3 hours was unbelievable. Couldn’t a fill out paper handed in have sufficed.
However, kol hakavod for the tremendous made to secure all these foodstuffs. We are grateful for the help
A very nice and heartfelt letter of explanation – not excuse – that will surely help more people get the assistance they need and improve the service next year. This is an example of an appropriate, timely, considerate response from a public official to a community complaint. Well done!
you make distribution at the office anytime whenever somebody walks in, asks, you give. why this limit of time why by day.
Nice letter. Thank you.
You are saying that 240 people were humiliated to benefit another 60?
That is NOT a justification.
Mail out a notice and include a self addressed envelope to mail back form. Vouchers will be sent in mail.
This is not a ration line in poland in the 1940s
May we all have the schuss to be able to give
Zaki Tamir does and u dare to criticizes shame on you!!!!
Get off your rear and do something….
Keep up the great work zaki..
You say more people came because they saw the line, the Question is how many did not come because they were too embarrassed to be on line.
Thank you Zaki For all your good Work.
The “benefit” of the line can also be achieved through fliers. No need to embarrass people for that.
Todays daf yomi sukka 49b says tzedoka should be distributed privately
Every year our family contests as to who would be the “lucky” ones to go and stand on the food lines – Its humbling to say the least. Forget the photos that have been taken at past distributions. This year when it was announced that it will be on Kingston Ave, no one even gave it a thought of going. We just skipped it. Im sure we were not the only ones. If this was a private personal charity I would say that is his prerogative as to how to go about it, but acting as a “Jewish” community project… Read more »
Your integrity and character is exemplary. Thank you for helping our community!
Is there a link we can donate to? I would like to see CHJCC being more vocal about tzedaka funds we can donate to. A website, advertising, pushkas, etc.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Your work is commendable .However I was horrified to see the lane in view of every passerby I purposely drove by quickly and turned my head the other way. But I was stuck at the red light and saw a woman just stand there and stare and stare at the line…has to be another way
What a beautiful letter. Thank you for your heartfelt response.
You are an inspiration!
May gd bless you ten fold spiritually and physically for all your efforts on behalf of the community.
FOR ALL UR WORK!
Zaki is a good man.
I learn with him each wk.
Hatzlocho.
Zaki, you honesty and humility is inspiring
This is defiantly going to bring Moshiach a lot closer!
This is the true example of a Chossid.
Zaki please next time create a phone number to call to pick up the vouchers put flyers everywhere but never make a line in front of the whole comunnity to see