The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

Sara was having a tough Pre-Pesach day.

Living in Israel has its own unique challenges.

However, living outside of Yerushalayim in a smaller settlement community, you are “privileged” to experience “special challenges.”

That morning, her entire family overslept as there was an unexpected Hafsakat Chashmal (power failure) during the night, causing her alarm clock to flash 4:00 and disabling its alarm.

Hurrying her family through breakfast and out to the door, she knocked over her coffee, spilling the contents on the new carpet she had bought for Pesach.

To make matters worse, her co-worker at the boutique she ran had called in sick, and Sarah found a long line of impatient and restless customers waiting to enter the store.

After an exhausting day at the store, Sarah was glad to head to her true passion, the local branch of Yad Leah.

What is Yad Leah?

Yad Leah, an organization dedicated to distributing gently pre-worn clothing to over thirty communities in Israel, was founded by two Chessed-minded women in 2003.

It all began when Karen Thaler, originally from Teaneck and presently in Beitar, decided to bring a suitcase of clothes back to Israel to families she knew could benefit from them.

The clothes were a huge success and provided much-needed help to needy families.

Recognizing the enormity of the need, she partnered with her childhood friend, Jessica Katz, also from Teaneck and presently in Clifton, to form Yad Leah.

Jessica began collecting clothing in her living room and, together with her children, started sorting the donated clothing.

The donations grew, and soon Jessica was renting large storage facilities and shipping over 7,000 boxes, benefitting over 10,000 families with “stores” in thirty communities around Israel.

Let’s get back to Sarah….

After completing her shift at the upscale boutique, Sarah donates her time and expertise at the local Yad Leah store.

Miri, a woman Sarah knew from the neighborhood, was waiting for her at the Yad Leah outlet.

Yet, unlike those waiting in the morning at her boutique, Miri was calm, quiet, and somewhat shy.

Sarah asked, “Can I help you with anything?”

Unexpectedly,  Miri embraced Sarah in the most loving hug possible and showered Sarah with a deluge of Brocha and thanks.

Sarah was perplexed, to say the least.

Finally, after Miri had regained her composure, she explained,

“Sarah, I know you don’t know me well.

However, two weeks ago, right after Purim, my son married.

The girl’s family could not contribute financially, so we agreed to fit the bill unilaterally.

We refused to accept Tzedoka; instead, to save money, we, as a family, including all of my son’s siblings, married and single, agreed to forgo new clothes for the Chasunah and Pesach.

However, as the Chasunah approached, reality set in, and it became apparent that the Chosson’s own sisters had no proper apparel for the upcoming Chasunah and Yom Tov.

Tension and even traces of resentment began to take hold of our family.

Then someone suggested coming here to the Yad Leah outlet.

That suggestion saved our family and was the primary cause of making my son’s Chasunah a truly memorable and Simcha-filled event.

We were not only able to outfit the family properly for the Chasunah, we also purchased clothes for Yom Tov at affordable costs.”

Miri continued, “You asked how you could help me. You must know that what you did for me was more than I could have imagined.

You helped me afford clothing for my family, and more importantly, you restored the family's Simcha and removed all potential resentment. Because of Yad Leah, our Simcha was complete.”

Sarah stood there as tears ran down her face.

Finally, she told Miri, “You came here to thank me. However, I must thank you.

You have no idea how your words changed my day.

It was previously full of countless petty challenges yet, you and your words turned into one of the happiest days I can recall.

Your words made me realize that as much as you think I did for you, you did much more for me.”

If you are interested in helping this most worthy organization – click below:

https://yadleah.org/donate-teaneck/