Testimonials

Dear Ashira and the Lema'an Achai Team, I want to thank you for all your help and support in general, but specifically now for literally making my Simchas Yom Tov from beginning to end. When I had asked you if there were any resources available to help with building my sukkah as well as obtaining the Arba Minim, I didn't dream that I would end up with the full support and help that I received. I actually was hoping for some leads at most...  I cannot tell you how Mr. S built my sukkah from beginning to end, with such generosity of spirit.  He came early enough to see what was needed and guided me as to what size schach to purchase, offering to put up  a light as well.  Not only did ... Show More

Dear Ashira and the Lema'an Achai Team,

I want to thank you for all your help and support in general, but specifically now for literally making my Simchas Yom Tov from beginning to end.

When I had asked you if there were any resources available to help with building my sukkah as well as obtaining the Arba Minim, I didn't dream that I would end up with the full support and help that I received. I actually was hoping for some leads at most... 

I cannot tell you how Mr. S built my sukkah from beginning to end, with such generosity of spirit.  He came early enough to see what was needed and guided me as to what size schach to purchase, offering to put up  a light as well.  Not only did he follow through, but he also came back this morning to take it down and put it away.  I cannot tell you how joyous it made me to have a sukkah, and on top of that I felt I was treated so royally, not needing to schnorr from others help or outlay lots of money to hire manpower.  He, through you, was an Angel from Heaven, literally.

On top of that, I was completely surprised when I got a message that an Arba Minim set was waiting for me.  Once again, I didn't need to go figure out how to buy a set and navigate prices and hechsherim.  All I needed to do was buy aravos.  I blessed those Arba Minim each day in my sukkah, blessing you, Lema'an Achai and my new community at the same time.

And the 200 shekel voucher for Yesh was so very appreciated as well.  A real treat.  (Like a kid in the candy store.)

The last thing I wanted in life was to be in the situation I am.  Nevertheless, it makes ALL the difference to not feel alone, but to feel supported and believed in by a wonderful community, as represented by your organization.

I thank you for giving me a Chag of dignity and love, and I look forward, with Hashem's Help, to being able to give back to you what you have given me.

With deepest thanks.

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Thank you and Lema'an Achai for your generosity.  This period of Covid-19 has been very challenging for everybody.  Just a few years ago I convinced my wife to leave her work and instead assist me in my guiding work.  Needless to say with the closure of the tourism industry we have had no family income for several months.  Torn between waiting and preparing for the return of tourists, or completely remaking our careers again, we have been in a quite difficult situation.  Thanks for considering the plight of tour guides specifically, and thank you for for the generosity.  Your grant actually came at a propitious time and will go a long way to helping our family's finances.  ----  The generous grant from Lema'an Achai will make a big difference now, as our expenses pile up.  I ... Show More

Thank you and Lema'an Achai for your generosity.  This period of Covid-19 has been very challenging for everybody.  Just a few years ago I convinced my wife to leave her work and instead assist me in my guiding work.  Needless to say with the closure of the tourism industry we have had no family income for several months.  Torn between waiting and preparing for the return of tourists, or completely remaking our careers again, we have been in a quite difficult situation.  Thanks for considering the plight of tour guides specifically, and thank you for for the generosity.  Your grant actually came at a propitious time and will go a long way to helping our family's finances. 

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 The generous grant from Lema'an Achai will make a big difference now, as our expenses pile up.  I am grateful to the organization and my brothers and sisters who contributed to make this happen.  This crisis will pass and we all will once again be earning a livelihood and not need 

“מתנות בשר ודם” .  In the meantime, it is uplifting to know people and organizations such as yours are here to show, love, understanding appreciation and support.

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A big thank you for the support sent to myself - and to my fellow tour guides her in Beit Shemesh. Gesture is huge - and the initiative is a hug we can all do with in these crazy days

I have in return donated 300 of that back to Lema’an Achai so that you can use that for whoever else is deserving.

Today for the transfer - and for the thoughtful way it was handled. It was done with Kavod - and I’m extremely grateful for that. and thank you for allowing me to play at least a small part in giving Tzedaka from what I have received.

Looking forward to the day when I can give back in bigger ways to Lema’an achai.

שתלכו מחיל אל חיל

בהערכה רבה

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There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and efforts to help myself (and other guides) during this difficult time. As you’re aware that this time of year would normally be a very busy time for us working and guiding people around our amazing country.  Unfortunately, instead, it is a time of challenges, not just financial, that we have never faced before.  Your support and faith in not just us but Am Israel is refreshing, inspiring, uplifting and encouraging. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.  As a father of 3 young girls now into the summer vacation, you have given me a chance to provide my family with some semblance of the optimism and fun this time of year should normally provide. May Hashem ... Show More

There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and efforts to help myself (and other guides) during this difficult time.

As you’re aware that this time of year would normally be a very busy time for us working and guiding people around our amazing country.  Unfortunately, instead, it is a time of challenges, not just financial, that we have never faced before.  Your support and faith in not just us but Am Israel is refreshing, inspiring, uplifting and encouraging.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.  As a father of 3 young girls now into the summer vacation, you have given me a chance to provide my family with some semblance of the optimism and fun this time of year should normally provide.

May Hashem continue to bless you and all you do for so many.  May you continue to be healthy, safe and prosperous in all your endeavours.

With much gratitude

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To the Anonymous Donors of Lema’an Achai,

Since the closure of Israel’s borders due to the Covid 19 crisis, my professional life was stopped in its tracks. Not knowing where or when my next pay check will be, has been exasperating to say the least. However, what I was not expecting was the support of people like yourselves. Just when I started to feel desperate, I was reminded of the noble standards of the Jewish people.  מי כעמך ישראל! Thank you for reminding this Jew that he is not alone, and that we are all one people. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your very generous gift. May Hashem bless you all with continued success, a long healthy life, and joy from your children and grandchildren. May we all see an end to this crisis, and merit גאולה speedily in our days.

Sincerely,

A touched tour guide

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בס"ד July 5, 2020  To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter as a small token of my appreciation to the amazing organization Lema’an Achai. My family and I have been part of the Lema’an Achai family over the last year. There are not enough words to describe our gratitude. They have been a life saver for us. Unfortunately, last year we went through a big financial loss due to a failed business. Lema’an Achai helped us financially, psychologically and physically. We were provided with counseling, job placement opportunities, recovery advice, and food. We would not be able to do this without them. This organization is unique, because it doesn’t let you become dependent on them. However, it helps you ... Show More

בס"ד

July 5, 2020 

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this letter as a small token of my appreciation to the amazing organization Lema’an Achai. My family and I have been part of the Lema’an Achai family over the last year.

There are not enough words to describe our gratitude. They have been a life saver for us. Unfortunately, last year we went through a big financial loss due to a failed business. Lema’an Achai helped us financially, psychologically and physically.

We were provided with counseling, job placement opportunities, recovery advice, and food. We would not be able to do this without them.

This organization is unique, because it doesn’t let you become dependent on them. However, it helps you stand up on your feet.

Baruch Hashem, today we are both working.

It is still a long road to full recovery, but we don’t feel alone.

The staff has been so kind and sensitive, and most of all helpful. We even received dental help with the wonderful dentists on premises.

We are very grateful and wish Lema’an Achai growth and prosperity to help more members of the Beit Shemesh community.

Thank you and Yishar Koach,

Anonymous Happy Family

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When our health and parnassa circumstances changed a few years ago, we didn't know what to do or where to go! Every day was a struggle and things seemed bleak. A friend suggested we speak to Lemaan Achai. As fairly new olim, we didn't know much about Lemaan Achai but going to see them changed our lives! Meir and all the team at Lemaan Achai were (and still are) incredible! The thoroughness with which they analysed our situation was matched only by the tailor-made caring plan that they created to help us out of our situation. If an idea doesn't work out, they don't wash their hands of you, they double-down with increased drive to help you succeed. The friendly, encouraging, sensitive and non-judgmental approach allows those being helped to still feel dignified, relieved, supported, optimistic and inspired. This ... Show More

When our health and parnassa circumstances changed a few years ago, we didn't know what to do or where to go! Every day was a struggle and things seemed bleak. A friend suggested we speak to Lemaan Achai. As fairly new olim, we didn't know much about Lemaan Achai but going to see them changed our lives!

Meir and all the team at Lemaan Achai were (and still are) incredible! The thoroughness with which they analysed our situation was matched only by the tailor-made caring plan that they created to help us out of our situation. If an idea doesn't work out, they don't wash their hands of you, they double-down with increased drive to help you succeed. The friendly, encouraging, sensitive and non-judgmental approach allows those being helped to still feel dignified, relieved, supported, optimistic and inspired. This is vitally important to build future success. To build future life!

We are extremely grateful for Lemaan Achai's help and support  throughout our journey.

We encourage anyone who is able to give to do so. It's a Smart Decision to help Smart Chessed! We can testify first-hand to the success of their approach.

Thank you Meir! Thank you Lemaan Achai! Thank you to all the donors!

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It was so special. The fact I trust all of you at Lema'an Achai and I trust her so much offers me so much help.

Thank you so much for fighting that I got the subsidy to see Y!!!!

F

Thank you so much for helping me this year.  To get back on my feet with dignity. I feel you are always there for me. ה' should repay you in every single way.

yours forever, 

A family member

I was very impressed by the presentation made in West Orange last week.  

Please direct this contribution toward your dental clinic program.  May Hashem help you in your holy work to sustain and uplift those needy families of our community.  כל הכבוד!

Sincerely,

S

To the extraordinary Lema'an Achai team -

Thank you SO much for an amazing experience last night with Ari Goldwag.  When we purchased our vouchers, we were excited to participate in the campaign and share the concept behind it with our children.  We shared with them the idea that when you do chessed you gain so much in return; we never imagined it would materialize so tangibly!   Our kids and their friends had a blast during the concert and kumzitz: an experience they're sure to remember for a long time.

We are proud to support an organization like Lema'an Achai.  May HKB"H give you the strength to continue to serve our community and klal yisrael.

Dovid and Amy Krausz

La Shona Tova to all and I wish to thank all of you for all that you have done to help me and my family. 

May Hashem take from strength to strength. 

Blessings always,

L

To the  Lema'an Achai family,   A year has passed since I first met your organization…   After my divorce I found myself so alone, faced with a difficult reality. Financially alone, with the children alone, alone with a broken refrigerator, a broken washing machine, and many many more challenges. Then a friend told me about the organization named "Lema'an Achai". For me it is less an organization and more like a huge family of amazing people who are always there to help! Any time I turn to them I find an attentive ear that demonstrates a willingness to help, and I know that they are always there with a friendly face and a huge heart.              So I just wanted to say a few words of thanks to the management that I have not met personally, but you are the living spirit ... Show More

To the  Lema'an Achai family,

 

A year has passed since I first met your organization…

 

After my divorce I found myself so alone, faced with a difficult reality. Financially alone, with the children alone, alone with a broken refrigerator, a broken washing machine, and many many more challenges. Then a friend told me about the organization named "Lema'an Achai". For me it is less an organization and more like a huge family of amazing people who are always there to help! Any time I turn to them I find an attentive ear that demonstrates a willingness to help, and I know that they are always there with a friendly face and a huge heart.           

 

So I just wanted to say a few words of thanks to the management that I have not met personally, but you are the living spirit that stands behind this wonderful organization–there is nothing like it anywhere–and to pay tribute to your amazing staff:

Elka who is always there to hear me out, who really listens, embraces, gives wise advice and assistance.        

Dear Avivit with her bright smile that is always there for every question and responds helpfully.

Susan and all the volunteers who so joyfully figure out how to resolve everything.        

Ella who always welcomes those entering the office with a smile.        

Meir who always took care of my tuition on time.      

And of course the precious Shlomo, without whose financial guidance I would have been lost.                  

 

Simply put, straight from my heart, I wish you all a happy New Year with much success in all your hard work for the people of Israel.

 

May the Creator of the world repay all your wonderful work.

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Hi Avrohom I wanted to write and tell you how much I appreciate all Lema'an Achai have done for me and my family .  From financial advise and support from Matti, help with navigating Bituach Leumi from Meir,  support and emotional help in the form of counselling,  and guidance from your lovely social worker, Purim and Pesach gifts,  and even free legal advise... the list is endless.  My children for the second year are enjoying their time with the "big brother or sister" that Lema'an Achai has provided. It took all of this and probably more to help me leave my difficult marriage and work out how to begin again as a single parent. Being without family in Israel, Lema'an Achai has given that sense of family,  helping me along the way.  Each expert was vital in providing information that helped me make the right choices. The advise continues today, and I ... Show More

Hi Avrohom

I wanted to write and tell you how much I appreciate all Lema'an Achai have done for me and my family .  From financial advise and support from Matti, help with navigating Bituach Leumi from Meir,  support and emotional help in the form of counselling,  and guidance from your lovely social worker, Purim and Pesach gifts,  and even free legal advise... the list is endless.  My children for the second year are enjoying their time with the "big brother or sister" that Lema'an Achai has provided.

It took all of this and probably more to help me leave my difficult marriage and work out how to begin again as a single parent. Being without family in Israel, Lema'an Achai has given that sense of family,  helping me along the way.  Each expert was vital in providing information that helped me make the right choices. The advise continues today, and I know I can always come to Lemaan Achai for help.

I now work full time from home, with the flexible hours I need so that I am there for when the children come home from school to be there for them. I am doing it!! Living in Israel, supporting my family as best I can, with the support of this wonderful community I live in.

Thank you so much for everything.

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Shalom Rav Avrohom,

I hope you are well. Everything at the Sderot clinic is going very well thank G-d. Thanks very much for coming to visit 2 weeks ago. People here are so happy and grateful for the clinic, and Baruch Hashem really changing their lives actually. Sometimes it's easy to take such a thing as good teeth for granted, but since I've started working in the office, I have seen a few stories that have touched my heart, young women who've been suffering for many years in difficult situations, unable to afford dental care,  that after getting treatments at your clinic can now smile without hiding their face, and eat solid foods. So thanks on behalf of them! 

Thanks for the chesed you do for the people of Sderot. 

Andrea

Coming to the realization that your marriage is at an end is not easy. After years of countless therapy to try to sort it all out, reality hits hard, along with the tremendous feeling of guilt and incompetence. No one can go through those first few months alone. I didn't, because Lema'an Achai was with me every step of the way. I have come to know and to appreciate Lema'an Achai well in the past years. In my four year Agunah fight to receive my "Get" (Jewish Divorce), Lema'an Achai has been there all along. Whether it be coming with me to the courts and lawyers or providing much needed social care here at home, they have helped me rebuilt the backbone that was almost destroyed. Lema'an Achai has helped me stand on my feet once again.As a now single mother of two, including one in need ... Show More

Coming to the realization that your marriage is at an end is not easy. After years of countless therapy to try to sort it all out, reality hits hard, along with the tremendous feeling of guilt and incompetence. No one can go through those first few months alone. I didn't, because Lema'an Achai was with me every step of the way.

I have come to know and to appreciate Lema'an Achai well in the past years. In my four year Agunah fight to receive my "Get" (Jewish Divorce), Lema'an Achai has been there all along. Whether it be coming with me to the courts and lawyers or providing much needed social care here at home, they have helped me rebuilt the backbone that was almost destroyed. Lema'an Achai has helped me stand on my feet once again.

As a now single mother of two, including one in need of "special care, trying to survive on the social benefits our government offers, Lema'an Achai not only provides us with monthly "supermarket allowance" enabling me to provide for my home even at the end of the month, when money runs out, or the much needed food packages before the holidays. Lema'an Achai offers much, much more in means of their extensive social support network. Whether it be providing help navigating our government bureaucracy, or offering an open hand and heart at any time of financial or emotional crisis, they are always there, helping and additionally asking "what else can we do"?

I would like to note a few specific aspects of their tremendous activity which have affected us so positively.

Lema'an Achai's financial counseling helped face the new realities of being a single parent. The counselor worked with me to create a budget that my family could manage.

An employment adviser guided me in finding a better paying job. This included updating my resume and reevaluation of my most marketable skills.

Lema'an Achai's single mother support group, which helps us realize we are not alone, and keeps us going through the daily struggles of reality, or their joint program with a local girls high school, offering weekly Chessed hours in which the girls come and help out with our children.

Lema'an Achai's big brother program; connecting a Yeshiva Student to "adopt" my son for the year. While the "big brother" and "little brother" spend weekly time together, the bond that is formed will forever be part of my child's life. It is hard to express how this seemingly small thing positively affects the life of a small boy, and how endless expression of gratitude will never be enough.

As summer approached, and my sons friends all talked about what day camps they will be joining, I dreaded the thought of having to tell my son that he will not be able to go to day camp this year, as we didn't have the money. Thank G-d for Lema'an Achai's summer camp program which covered the cost for another very happy camper.

Lema'an Achai's summer camp program had extended themselves this year by even covering the cost needed to send my severely disabled young child to a special education camp, providing him with recreational activity to best suit his full time needs, and providing me with a well needed 10 day respite.

Lema'an Achai has grown, and there are many families in times of need. We are but one… but the individual attention and assistance we are offered are surely multiplied by scores.

It's easy to hand out money… but it's a lot harder to actually care… and Lema'an Achai does both… to the fullest.

Thank you Lema'an Achai, for helping us stand on our feet in dignity, for giving us the tools to try to make it on our own… and to return to the giving end of Tzeddaka.

Gratefully Yours,

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I am so grateful that we heard about Matti and were introduced to him and his budgeting system. First I just want to say, Matti is super nice-you can ask the same question many times and you won’t feel dumb. On a simple level, just having your finances organized and being on top of everything, you will catch mistakes, like when phone or internet companies steal from you by charging you for extra things you never signed up for..etc. You will catch mistakes like your car insurance expiring and accidentally not being renewed.. Once we organized our monthly expenses and we saw our deficit as a clear number, it was motivating to try and get rid of the deficit, once you see it clearly, it seems more doable than just thinking “ah we have no money what’s gonna be!” Another thing that made a big difference, ... Show More

I am so grateful that we heard about Matti and were introduced to him and his budgeting system. First I just want to say, Matti is super nice-you can ask the same question many times and you won’t feel dumb.

On a simple level, just having your finances organized and being on top of everything, you will catch mistakes, like when phone or internet companies steal from you by charging you for extra things you never signed up for..etc. You will catch mistakes like your car insurance expiring and accidentally not being renewed..

Once we organized our monthly expenses and we saw our deficit as a clear number, it was motivating to try and get rid of the deficit, once you see it clearly, it seems more doable than just thinking “ah we have no money what’s gonna be!”

Another thing that made a big difference, was restructuring our loan, something we never would’ve thought to do. That made a big difference in us getting closer to “closing” the month, which is the first goal, before savings.

Before going to a budgeting workshop, people may think: “what can a budgeting session do already, I make x amount of money and my expenses are more than x, what more is there to it” but that’s exactly the point of going to someone who specializes in a certain field-they know more than you do.

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