YBLK Marks 22 Years DID YOU KNOW of Making Dreams Come True · 2015-01-13 · of Making Dreams Come...
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ale f 1256 EAST 26TH STREET BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11210 718.377.4349 | [email protected] | WWW.YADBATYA.ORG ISSUE 23 • TISHREI 5771/FALL 2010 YBLK Marks 22 Years of Making Dreams Come True n the evening of February 16, 2010, hundreds of YBL’K enthusiasts filled the Shaare Zion hall to attend the 22nd Annual Benefit Auction. Their presence created a powerful zechus for the evening’s very special honoree, HaRav Yaakov Zakheim ztz”l, Batya’s a”h beloved Saba, a revered Marah Dasra in Brooklyn for over 60 inspiring years. How fitting that this precious link to the Torah luminaries of pre- war Europe and Eretz Yisroel generated vital support for YBL’K, affecting untold generations of batim neemanim to come. His esteemed Rebbetzin, Sarah Zakheim Tlita, accepted the commemorative award and spoke warmly about the organization, encouraging the crowd to donate generously. Her words were received with enthusiastic applause. Ayala Berney spoke to the congenial crowd about how her sister, Batya a”h, would make a point to attend chasunas of less fortunate kallahs. “She would shlep her friends along to help increase the kallahs simcha,” said Ayala. “We established YBL’K to perpetuate that simcha.” Since its inception over two decades ago, over 10,500 kallahs have been elated by the packages they’ve received from YBL’K, relieved that they could start their married life equipped with all the basic household necessities with dignity and calm. “All that we’ve accomplished in the past 22 years can only be attributed to Hashem,” continued Ayala, “in the zechus of our dear Batya.” She acknowledged that her parents garage, stuffed to the rafters with YBL’K boxes holding the dreams of so many needy kallahs, wouldn't get continually refilled if it werent for the generosity of the community members, so many of whom were sitting before her at that moment. Ayala spoke straight from her heart to every heart in the room as she expressed the family’s hakaras hatov. “Thank you for joining and taking part in this great network of sharing and giving. May it always be for simchas and may the Ribono Shel Olam repay you all with shefa and a multitude of brachos!” wo allahs AND A POWERFUL ZECHUS f,hcv uj,hnv yucv I t is through acts of chessed that Hashem reveals Himself most clearly. At YBL’K we get to witness this phenomenon time and time again. The following story serves as a compelling case in point. A woman named Devorah phoned YBL’K to let us know about a special kallah. Years back, she had been a counselor to this young kallah. Devorah gave me the vital details, then paused and said, “I’m actually doing this as a zechus for myself. I’m single and have been waiting for my zivug for, well let’s say ten-plus years. I’m also an orphan, so I hope that too will serve as a zechus for me and im yirtzeh Hashem, I’ll be calling you again soon to request a package for me.” Her nervous laugh melted into a wistful sigh. Touched by her candor and her strength, I showered her with brachos and we said good bye. YBL’K screened Racheli, her kallah, and promptly granted and delivered the YBL’K package. After a few months, I received another call from Devorah. She announced that, as she had hoped and prayed, B”H, she was applying for a YBL’K package for herself. “Please tell everyone about my story – so they too can have a part in this valuable zechus.” But the chain of chessed did not end here. Two months later, a different kallah, who had also waited a number of years for her bashert, contacted YBL’K. Prompted by her profound hakaras hatov, she made a sizeable donation “Please tell everyone about my story – so they too can have this valuable zechus.” K T T O that YBL’K directs its tireless efforts. YBL’K provides qualifying kallahs with a generous package of household items including linens, kitchen utensils, and small appliances – the essentials to start a bayis neeman. With meticulous screening of every potential candidate, YBL’K makes sure to exercise the utmost discreetness – to the extent that approved kallahs are not known by name to any of the members of the volunteer force who prepare and distribute the packages. In fact, other kallah organizations offering different services frequently verify their candidates’ eligibility by checking YBL’K’s list. YBL’K’s uniqueness lies in the large number of communities it services. They include Boro Park, Flatbush, Williamsburg, Monsey, as well as communities across the United States. Despite minimal overhead costs, YBL’K’s annual budget currently exceeds half a million dollars. YBL’K raises the funds primarily through annual Chinese auctions, as well as donations from family’s making chasunos or looking for segulas and refuos. Other fund raising projects include Historythons and the rental of siddurim/ Chumashim, and chasunah shtick. Batya’s joyous legacy of hachnasas kallah continues. L’ Kallah ad B aty a THE We dedicate this issue in memory of RENA GREENFIELD a”h, a dear friend of YBL’K, Rena’s tireless devotion to the Klal was clearly recognized by all, and her chessed and hachnosos orchim knew no bounds. Although ill for many years, her home and heart were constantly open to every Yid in need. She selflessly employed her G-d-given creativity to enhance many of the communitys worthy causes. May her countless acts of kindness serve as a zechus and nechama for her beloved family. Rabbi Zakheim ztz’l at Batya’s A”H Wedding EVERLASTING KINDNESS Continued from Page 3 Continued on Page 2 Excerpts from a letter she left for us (written about five years ago): oday, everybody is dealing with mind boggling difficulties. While the details of every person's challenge are different, the depth of emotion and scary thoughts that keep crossing one's mind, I have felt myself. I am sharing this with you, because these feelings and thoughts can be so overwhelming that you believe that they will drown you... the main reason why dealing with tzaros is so hard, is because in our heart of hearts we don't truly believe that H' is there with us, listening to us, suffering with us, waiting for us, all of the time. It is very comforting to feel that He is watching over us closely, feeling the pain and doing what is ultimately in our best interests. If you speak to him ... like He is standing next to you, then it reinforces the idea that HE REALLY IS "STANDING" RIGHT NEXT TO YOU!.. I desperately wanted to get closer to H'. He heard my prayers and answered me. Like a good parent, trying to get the child to walk, H' took a few steps away from me, let me fall a few times, pick myself up, so I could end up triumphant in His arms. T O YBL’K’s exclusive private parties reach people who live outside of the Brooklyn area, making it difficult for them to attend our Annual Chinese Auction. Due to our gracious hostesses, the participation at these events has proven to be more than successful. As a matter of fact, many were so impressed with the organization that they showed up at the main event as well to become YBL’K friends. Many thanks to all those involved in organizing these events, so generously giving of their precious time and opening their homes and hearts on the many kallahs’ behalf. YBL’K Touches Other Communities P rivate Parties 2010 To find out about our Pushke Project, please call 718.377.4349. hvt zfrv crul DID YOU KNOW • YBLK Provides Thousands of Needy Kallahs with Essential Household Items • YBLK is the only organization of its kind offering assistance to all Jewish communities across the North American continent and in Yerushalayim. A US package provides a kallah with 2 sets of pots, china, Corelle dishes, cutlery, basic kitchen appliances, quilts, pillows, linen and towels of fine quality and fashionable patterns. • YBLK has no paid staff whatsoever. All office work, fundraising, packaging and deliveries are done by volunteers. • Each request is thoroughly screened and the packages are delivered with the utmost discretion, often as “matan b’seser.” • Generous suppliers enable YBLK to buy quality merchandise at below wholesale prices, so that each donated dollar buys twice as much. Lost and found: a black scarf was found at the YBL’K event. please call 718.377.4349
Transcript of YBLK Marks 22 Years DID YOU KNOW of Making Dreams Come True · 2015-01-13 · of Making Dreams Come...
ale f 1256 EAST 26TH STREET BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11210 718.377.4349 | [email protected] | WWW.YADBATYA.ORG
ISSUE 23 • TISHREI 5771/FALL 2010
YBLK Marks 22 Years of Making Dreams Come Truen the evening of February 16, 2010, hundreds of
YBL’K enthusiasts filled the Shaare Zion hall toattend the 22nd Annual Benefit Auction. Theirpresence created a powerful zechus for the evening’svery special honoree, HaRav Yaakov Zakheimztz”l, Batya’s a”h beloved Saba, a revered MarahDasra in Brooklyn for over 60 inspiringyears. How fitting that this preciouslink to the Torah luminaries of pre-war Europe and Eretz Yisroelgenerated vital support for YBL’K,affecting untold generations ofbatim neemanim to come. Hisesteemed Rebbetzin, SarahZakheim Tlita, accepted thecommemorative award and spokewarmly about the organization,encouraging the crowd to donategenerously. Her words were receivedwith enthusiastic applause.
Ayala Berney spoke to the congenial crowd abouthow her sister, Batya a”h, would make a point toattend chasunas of less fortunate kallahs. “She wouldshlep her friends along to help increase the kallahssimcha,” said Ayala. “We established YBL’K to
perpetuate that simcha.”
Since its inception over two decades ago, over10,500 kallahs have been elated by the packagesthey’ve received from YBL’K, relieved that theycould start their married life equipped with all the
basic household necessities with dignity andcalm. “All that we’ve accomplished in the
past 22 years can only be attributed toHashem,” continued Ayala, “in thezechus of our dear Batya.”
She acknowledged that her parentsgarage, stuffed to the rafters with
YBL’K boxes holding the dreams ofso many needy kallahs, wouldn't get
continually refilled if it werent for thegenerosity of the community members,so many of whom were sitting beforeher at that moment. Ayala spoke
straight from her heart to every heart in the roomas she expressed the family’s hakaras hatov. “Thankyou for joining and taking part in this greatnetwork of sharing and giving. May it always befor simchas and may the Ribono Shel Olam repay youall with shefa and a multitude of brachos!”
wo allahsAND A POWERFUL ZECHUS
f,hcv uj,hnv yucv
I t is through acts of chessed that Hashem reveals Himself mostclearly. At YBL’K we get to witness this phenomenon time andtime again.
The following story serves as a compelling case in point.
A woman named Devorah phoned YBL’K to let us know abouta special kallah. Years back, she had been a counselor tothis young kallah. Devorah gave me the vital details,then paused and said, “I’m actually doing this as azechus for myself. I’m single and have been waiting formy zivug for, well let’s say ten-plus years. I’m also anorphan, so I hope that too will serve as a zechus for me and im yirtzeh Hashem, I’ll be calling you again soon to request apackage for me.” Her nervous laugh melted into a wistful sigh.
Touched by her candor and her strength, I showered her withbrachos and we said good bye. YBL’K screened Racheli, herkallah, and promptly granted and delivered the YBL’K package.
After a few months, I received another call from Devorah. Sheannounced that, as she had hoped and prayed, B”H, she was
applying for a YBL’K package for herself. “Please telleveryone about my story – so they too can have a part inthis valuable zechus.”
But the chain of chessed did not end here.
Two months later, a different kallah, who had also waited anumber of years for her bashert, contacted YBL’K. Prompted byher profound hakaras hatov, she made a sizeable donation
“Please tell everyone about my
story – so they too can have this valuable
zechus.”
KTT O
that YBL’K directs its tireless efforts. YBL’K provides qualifying kallahs with a generous package of householditems including linens, kitchen utensils, and small appliances – the essentialsto start a bayis neeman. With meticulous screening of every potentialcandidate, YBL’K makes sure to exercise the utmost discreetness – to theextent that approved kallahs are not known by name to any of the membersof the volunteer force who prepare and distribute the packages. In fact, otherkallah organizations offering different services frequently verify theircandidates’ eligibility by checking YBL’K’s list.
YBL’K’s uniqueness lies in the large number of communities it services. Theyinclude Boro Park, Flatbush, Williamsburg, Monsey, as well as communitiesacross the United States. Despite minimal overhead costs, YBL’K’s annualbudget currently exceeds half a million dollars. YBL’K raises the fundsprimarily through annual Chinese auctions, as well as donations from family’smaking chasunos or looking for segulas and refuos. Other fund raising projectsinclude Historythons and the rental of siddurim/ Chumashim, and chasunahshtick. Batya’s joyous legacy of hachnasas kallah continues.
L’Kallahad Batya
THE
We dedicate this issue in memory of RENA GREENFIELD a”h, a dear friend of YBL’K, Rena’s tireless devotion to the Klal was clearly recognized by all, and her chessed and hachnosos orchim knew no bounds. Although ill for manyyears, her home and heart were constantly open to every Yid in need. She selflessly employed her G-d-given creativity to enhance many of thecommunitys worthy causes. May her countless acts of kindness serve as a zechus and nechama for her beloved family.
Rabbi Zakheim ztz’l at Batya’s A”H Wedding
EVERLASTING KINDNESSContinued from Page 3
Continued on Page 2
Excerpts from a letter she left for us (written about five years ago):
oday, everybody is dealing with mind boggling difficulties. Whilethe details of every person's challenge are different, the depth ofemotion and scary thoughts that keep crossing one's mind, I have feltmyself. I am sharing this with you, because these feelings andthoughts can be so overwhelming that you believe that they willdrown you... the main reason why dealing with tzaros is so hard, isbecause in our heart of hearts we don't truly believe that H' is there
with us, listening to us, suffering with us, waiting for us, all of thetime. It is very comforting to feel that He is watching over us closely,feeling the pain and doing what is ultimately in our best interests. Ifyou speak to him ... like He is standing next to you, then it reinforcesthe idea that HE REALLY IS "STANDING" RIGHT NEXTTO YOU!.. I desperately wanted to get closer to H'. He heard myprayers and answered me. Like a good parent, trying to get the childto walk, H' took a few steps away from me, let me fall a few times,pick myself up, so I could end up triumphant in His arms.
T
O
YBL’K’s exclusive private parties reach peoplewho live outside of the Brooklyn area, makingit difficult for them to attend our AnnualChinese Auction. Due to our gracioushostesses, the participation at these events hasproven to be more than successful. As a matter
of fact, many were so impressed with theorganization that they showed up atthe main event as well to becomeYBL’K friends. Many thanks to all those involved inorganizing these events, sogenerously giving of their precioustime and opening their homes and
hearts on the many kallahs’ behalf.
YBL’K TouchesOther CommunitiesPrivate Parties 2010
To find out about our Pushke Project, please call 718.377.4349.
hvt zfrv crul
DID YOU KNOW• YBLK Provides Thousands of Needy
Kallahs with Essential Household Items
• YBLK is the only organization of itskind offering assistance to all Jewishcommunities across the NorthAmerican continent and inYerushalayim. A US package provides akallah with 2 sets of pots, china, Corelledishes, cutlery, basic kitchen appliances,quilts, pillows, linen and towels of finequality and fashionable patterns.
• YBLK has no paid staff whatsoever.All office work, fundraising,packaging and deliveries are done byvolunteers.
• Each request is thoroughly screenedand the packages are delivered with the utmost discretion, often as“matan b’seser.”
• Generous suppliers enable YBLK to buyquality merchandise at below wholesaleprices, so that each donated dollar buystwice as much.
Lost and found:a black scarf was found at the YBL’K event. please call 718.377.4349
am a YBL’K volunteer. I forward eachphone call to my mother, who then checks outall the information and grants approval forthe individual package deliveries. I get to callthe “customers” back with the answer, whichis the best part of my job – to hear the sigh ofrelief of a kallah or the choked back tears of aparent. It touches me every time. Truth is,YBL’K is not only affecting these families’lives, it has also dramatically changed mine.
After struggling through a number of difficultyears with infertility, just a few months afterjoining YBL’K, B”H I conceived.
The night before my beautiful daughter wasborn I received a phone message fromsomeone who needed the number of theYBL’K branch in Eretz Yisroel. While in laborand about to leave for the hospital, I decidedto return the call; I prayed to Hashem that itshould be a zechus for a smooth delivery.
I felt His loving hand guidingand protecting me throughout awonderful delivery experience. I amcertain it was because of those fiveminutes I took to call back a needy kallah.
Since the economy has taken such a bad turn,requests have been pouring in. The followingare two of the many stories.
A kallah called us explaining that her fatherhas been suffering from a lengthy chronicillness, and left her mother tending to hisneeds 24/7. “I had no one to turn to,” she saidsadly, “and I desperately need help to properlyprepare for my chasunah.” We approved thepackage and when she called to thank me, shesaid, “Please know that now I can get married;the package brought a ray of light into ourhome. Thank you.”
The second kallah’s grandmother called forher daughter who was marrying off her first
child. After the delivery of the package, the kallah’smother called us with heartfelt gratitude forproviding her daughter with all the things shewished she were able to give her. “Please tellthe organization that the immeasurablehappiness this package brought to our familycould bring Moshiach.”
I Thank you for creating a remarkableorganization that helps so many kallahs everyday and for giving me the opportunity to be apart of this great chessed in my small way.May Hashem give you the capabilities and thestrength to continue your vital work.
Letters & Quotes
Special Hakoras Hatov to
Devori and Esty Schorr for creating and running the Historython
program and to the students of Bais Yaakov of Boro Park, Bais Yaakov D’Rav Meir, Masores
Bais Yaakov and Prospect Park Yeshiva.
Yad Batya L’Kallah needs you!
ON THE OCCASION OF A SHABBOS SIMCHA
available for rentSIDDURIM & CHUMASHIM
SEPHARD/ASHKENAZ
Brooklyn: Mrs. Malky Stern, 718.258.7060Five Towns: Mrs. Elefant,
516.371.0106 (eve), 516.692.0003
SMALL DONATIONS TO YBL’K COUNT BIG
YBL’K appreciates that many ofour contributors are not in theposition to donate as much asthey would like. We are callingfrom the bottomof many kallah’shearts - sendwhat you can.Every singledonation counts. YBL’K dependson these donations. Everyseemingly small amount adds up
to exquisite gifts to gratefulfamilies. Remember – a smalllight can dispel the darkness. Justas each donation turns into a big
bracha – so mayit bring brachato those whogive – nomatter theamount. Maywe all be
amongst the givers and hasten thegeulah, Amen.
I
THE POWER OF HACHNASOS KALLAHA First−Hand Account
ou couldn’t miss her. Round and roundshe whirled, engendering simcha amongstthe other dancers who couldn’t help buteagerly join her. The kallah thanked thislively guest, a stranger not much youngerthan herself – for giving her the chasunahof her dreams.
To Batya (Zakheim) Brecher, at the time aseminary student, there was nothing moreimportant than bringing happiness toanother Jew; the mitzvah she cherishedabove all was undoubtedly simchas kallah. Ifshe heard of a chasunah likely to draw only
a few guests, she would call her friends toround up support, put on her best dress anddance jubilantly with the delighted kallah.
Over two decades later, and Batya’s legacyof bringing joy to needy kallahs continues.After her tragic passing, the Zakheimfamily and friends knew that the mostfitting way to perpetuate their belovedBatya’s memory would be through the waythey remembered her best; they promptlylaunched Yad Batya L’Kallah.
We all receive countless tzedakah mailingsdetailing the devastating financial
hardships of families, particularly in EretzYisrael, struggling to put together adignified chasuna for their children.However, we do not hear about the manyfamilies in our community who, althoughthey are not living in abject poverty, findthemselves incapable of covering the extraexpenses involved in making a weddingand providing their sons and daughterswith the necessary items to set up thefoundation of a proper Jewish home.
These are the families who wouldn’t thinkof appealing for tzedakah; it is to this group
Based on an excerpt from an article by Chaya Baumwolspiner
featured in Binah – 3 Shevat 5770/January 18, 2010 EVERLASTING KINDNESS
Continued on Page 4
SPONSOR A KALLAHOpen your Hearts
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US: 718 377-4349 • [email protected] • WWW.YADBATYA.ORG
$240SPONSORA KALLAH IN ERETZ YISROEL
$250PROVIDES
A KALLAH’SBED AND BATH
NEEDS
$360PROVIDES
A KALLAH’SKITCHEN
NEEDS
$600PROVIDES
A KALLAH’SHOUSEHOLD
NEEDS
The Tale of two kallahsContinued from Page 1
Ytowards a needy kallah. “And, if it’s at all possible,” she added, “please give the package to a someone getting married around the date of my chasunah.” I flipped throughmy files and found someone getting married the very same night. I double checked the name and date and couldn’t believe my eyes: it was Devorah, who had so
kindly reached out to YBL’K to help another kallah, hoping for a powerful zechus. And the story doesn’t end here. To my amazement, we were fortunate to see the Yad Hashem – yet again. Thechasunas of these two meritorious kallahs took place the night of a YBL’K benefit.
Dear Everyone at YBL’K,
With our chasunah over and so too thesheva brachos, I must take these few minutesto thank your wonderful organization fortruly enhancing our daughter’s simcha. Theitems included in the package left mespeechless - from the electrical appliances tothe pots, linen, Corelle and oh-so-beautifulchina. What can I say?
I remember my amazement when YadBatya was first founded; to me it was theconcept, making a kallah happy (so happy!)thereby causing an aliya for the neshama of aremarkable young woman, Batya – anincredible idea. And now our daughter hasbecome a grateful recipient.
May you grow from strength tostrength and continue to make manymany kallahs happy as you help thembegin their new homes.
Kol tuv, A mother
Dear YBLK,
Allow me to share the joy andgratitude that I witnessed upon the YBL’K
delivery of the pots, dishes and silverware.Though your greatest happiness must be togive b’saiser, rightfully you should be let in onthe simcha and comfort you bring to theunfortunate among us – acheinu b’nei Yisrael.
It was a balmy sixty-degree morning lastSunday as I rang your bell, but it was morethan sunshine you brought to a family of twoalmanos, a mother and daughter, along with hertwo teenage sons (recent Russian immigrantswho have adhered to frumkeit despite manyodds). Literally, you have helped give thesepeople a key to a new, brighter horizon. YBL’Kcreated a vision where there was none andallowed hearts that had grown cold with
despair to ignite with the flame of hope.
When you see a genuine smile onthe faces of those who have forgottenhow to smile, then you know thatyour efforts have born fruit. Such isthe power of gemilas chasodim. MayHashem reward you and give you
lasting nechama.
Sincerely,A family friend
Dear YBL'K,
I am a girl who received your kallahpackage when I got married two and a halfyears ago. I can't begin to put on paper thehakaras hatov I feel to you. Thank you so so somuch for the beds, linen, pillows, blankets,toaster, blender, pots, pans, china, correlle,silverware etc. I am still using all those thingsand plan on using them for 180 IY"H.
You took such a big stress off my parentswith your tremendous generosity. MayHashem help you to help many more worthykallahs and may He bentch all of you whowork there and do this chessed. With Kol tuv! V'Amen!
Dear YBL'K,
Please accept this donation in the zechusof my daughter and her chosson.
I have another child who will become a chosson one day - only with siyata d'Shamaya,since he is currently "off the derech" and dating a non-Jewish girl.
I wish you continued success in theholy work you do!
Gratefully,A hopeful mother
