About Us
Lema’an Achai was founded in 2000 by a group of dedicated, innovative Ramat Beit Shemesh residents who were looking to give charity in a smarter way. Following Best Practices business models, and based on the ancient adage, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” they developed the concept of Smart Chesed.
Rooted in Judaism’s ethic of communal responsibility for charity and chesed, Lema’an Achai empowers, rather than entitles. By providing the less fortunate with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty, we guide them through, then out of their crisis. Our unique approach of Smart Chesed facilitates growth leading towards self-sufficiency.
Working with allied NGOs and government agencies, we create a personalized recovery program tailored for each client. Our programs include ongoing collaboration with a financial planner, personal counselling with trained therapists, career guidance and vocational training, benefits and entitlements advocacy, as well as social support and empowerment activities. In addition to the financial, psychological, vocational and social supports provided to needy individuals and families, children receive academic and social assistance to nurture their intellectual and emotional development.