[COMMUNICATED CONTENT]

It’s 7:00 pm. The house is dark except for the light of the Chanukah candles. Little Chaim shivers in his bed, crying as his mother tries to comfort him. He wonders why the blackout has lasted for so long. His stomach grumbles as he dreams of hot latkes and jelly doughnuts. In the other room, his father has given up pleading with the utility company, begging them for a few more days to pay his bill. How will he give his family a lichtige Chanukah when his electricity has been turned off? How can he provide them with a warm atmosphere when he can’t afford heat?

As a nation, we face times of overwhelming darkness and despair. We cry out to Hashem, asking why the galus has lasted for so long, beseeching him to end our suffering and bring the light of Moshiach. In the midst of the frigid winter, the miracles of Chanukah light up the darkness, giving us hope for the future and inspiring us to strengthen our commitment to Mitzvos. בימים ההם בזמן הזה- Tonight, while families all over the world are enjoying Chanukah, families like Chaim’s are suffering. But in spite of the overwhelming darkness of their situation, there is hope.

You can make the difference!

The Keren Ohr Yaakov Emergency Utility Fund, a project of Kupath Ezrah of Rockland County, assists families in the greater Monsey area facing the shutoff of utilities. Founded in memory of Reb Yaakov Akiva ben Tzvi Mashinksy ZT”L, the Emergency Utility Fund pays their utility bills and helps them prevent the cold and dark reality of financial despair. The Magen Avraham (Hilchos Chanuka 470) quotes that it is especially customary to give tzedakah to the poor on Chanukah. With your help, we can bring light to their lives and show them they are not alone.

Ways to Donate:

 Click Here to Donate 

Email: [email protected]

Mail check to: PO Box 3, Monsey, NY 10952. PLEASE NOTE IN MEMO: Keren Ohr Yaakov.

Kupath Ezrah of Rockland County is a recognized 501c3 charitable organization and is endorsed by leading Rabbonim. 100% of donations go directly to needy families. All donations are tax exempt.