Congratulations! It is Chaim V’Chessed’s fourth anniversary! Chaim V’Chessed began four years agotoday as a humble attempt to help English speakers in Eretz Yisrael. We had big dreams then. Today, we have B”H seen the realization of those dreams – but we keep dreaming bigger. After four years of astounding growth, we can’t help but wonder what the secret of success has been for Chaim V’Chessed so far. This month, one unbelievable story gave us the answer. Read all about it below. You’ll also find an important driver’s license update and a moving thank you note that we just received this month. |
This month, Chaim V’Chessed CEO Rabbi Paysach Freedman was 30,000 feet over the Atlantic on one of his frequent fundraising trips abroad when his phone pinged with a message: I have a brand new pump that was used twice, can I donate it? – Sorry, we don’t generally deal with medical equipment, he replied from the plane. Meanwhile, back at Chaim V’Chessed, Mrs. Nechama Nulman of the medical department was helping a young couple whose newborn was placed in the NICU. The new father was concerned about where to buy a high-quality pump for his wife to use while the baby was hospitalized, and Mrs. Nulman guided him on where to purchase one through insurance. Two minutes after she hung up, an email came through from Rabbi Freedman, still in flight. Just saw that new case about the pump. Someone just wrote to me that he has a pump he wants to donate to CVC. Can they use it? Yes! Mrs. Nulman replied. Where can I pick it up? Quickly Rabbi Freedman replied to that first message. I have someone who can use it! Can you drop it off at CVC? After he received a reply – On my way now – Rabbi Freedman notified a surprised Mrs. Nulman – Pump is on its way! Minutes later, the unknowing hero was buzzed into Chaim V’Chessed’s office, carrying a parcel of salvation. He was greeted with huge smiles, and Mrs. Nulman whisked the package over to Shaare Zedek, where a grateful couple was blown away by the impact of chessed. And Chaim V’Chessed’s staff finally had their answer. The secret of our success? It’s not in our hands. It’s been orchestrated by Hands far more capable and all-knowing. This story made it so clear that everything that Chaim V’Chessed has accomplished is thanks to the pride that Hashem takes in our devotion to helping His children every single day. Today, on Chaim V’Chessed’s fourth anniversary, Rabbi Freedman shares, “After nearly 50,000 cases, all I can say is הודו לה׳ כי טוב… and may He continue to bless us with success!” |