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Loss.  Grief.  Sadness. Pain.  A widow’s life is filled with the sorrow of losing her partner in life.  She is left bereft to deal with all the myriad of responsibilities that are usually shouldered by two, from parenting to earning an income.  But Koli Shema, a vital, respected organization, ensures that the widows of Isreal are never alone.  Throughout the year, Koli Shema helps Almanos and Yesomas, organizing Shabbatons and events to create a feeling of camaraderie and family.   They help Almanos marry off children, pay for therapists, and provide them with financial support before every Yom Tov.  Koli Shema also has an exclusive division for the orphans, called Bnoseinu, providing special services for children from the age of five through marriage.   They provide an open house for yesomas, allowing them to visit at any hour and any day, offering meals and activities, along with counselors and therapists to speak with, share and connect.  This is truly a home away from home, providing yesomas with a special space in which they feel supported and a place they belong. Bnoseinu also organizes Shabbatonim, special summer programs, as well as exciting Yom Tov trips.  They even provide Kallah classes for young women who are ready to build a home of their own.

During the month of Nissan, when school is out, Koli Shema also organizes a special program to keep children happy and occupied throughout the day.   And when Pesach comes, each widow knows she will be receiving one more thing from Koli Shema: $1000 cash.

“I used to dread making Pesach,” shared one Almanah. “Pesach was a Yom Tov that really highlighted our loss. There was no one sitting at the head of the table to make the Seder, no one for my children to ask the four questions to… It was a time full of pain and loss.  But since Koli Shema has begun helping me, they have completely changed my Yom Tov.  R’ Menachem Shmiel Dachner himself, the head of the organization, calls me every few weeks to see how I am doing.  And each Pesach, the organization hands me $1000 cash!!

I don’t feel like a beggar. I feel respected and valued, like a person! I can use the $1000 to make a real Pesach! Now, I look forward to Pesach, knowing that I am not alone.”

For more information on helping 200 Almanos make Pesach or to make a donation, visit www.1000for200.com