Regarding the last night of Chanukah, the Bnei Yissaschar writes: “יום שמסוגל לפקידת עקרות, יום שמסוגל לפרנסה, יום שמסוגל לישועה.. יום של חיתום וביצוע הדין לכל המשך השנה.” “It is a day that is mesugal to give children to the childless, a day that is mesugal for parnassah, a day that is mesugal for salvation… the day of the signing and carrying out of judgement for the rest of the year.” The following are true stories about Zos Chanukah: “I donated 120 shekels to the Zos Chanukah prayer event for a friend’s son who was still single at age 40, and right after Chanukah he got engaged. I am calling the Vaad to add my own son’s name to this year’s prayer event!” “My son, Avremi, had an infection in his brain and there was a chance that he would develop another one.

Last week in a delivery room at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem, the doctors handed a newborn baby boy to his mother. “Mazel tov!,” the nurses cried out, as they do in Israel. As Chagit took her baby into her arms, she burst into tears. A somber silence fell over the room. It was clear that unlike those of some mothers giving birth that day, Chagit’s were not tears of joy. Chagit had arrived at the hospital earlier that day alone. Birth can be a terrifying experience without a loved one. Chagit, however, is used to doing things alone. Her husband Yitzchok’s battle with illness has him in the hospital again. “It comes in waves,” she says, in a personal video.

For Mrs. Safal, things didn’t look like they could get any worse when her husband got into legal trouble with the Israeli government. But when he was kicked out of the country for good, she swiftly learned that she was wrong. Yehudis Safal lived with her husband and thirteen children in Modiin Illit. Her husband had a flourishing business, and she worked full-time as a caregiver. They were able to pay all of their bills, lived simply, and worked hard. But 3 and a half years ago, a business rival allegedly framed Mr. Safal for something that he hadn’t done, and the father of 13 has not been allowed back into the country ever since. His life and his business have completely fallen apart. “We miss him,” says his wife, Yehudis.

Dear Jewish brothers and sisters, My mother was nifteres 2 weeks ago and left me a yesoma along with seven other siblings. My family, especially my father, suffered tremendously from our loss. As a result, he cannot function properly. I will be getting married THIS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9th! CLICK HERE TO DONATE! My father struggles making a livelihood and I ask of you to please donate money so that I could pay for my wedding expenses. Hashem will pay you back for your generosity! My mother is looking down from shomayim and I am confident that she will daven on your behalf. I will bli neder daven for all who donate to me on the day that I get married. You should see only happiness and success in your life. AMEN! Thank you. Tizku limitzvos, Sofia CLICK HERE TO DONATE! 

Like most mothers, Rebbetzin Miriam Diamond loves her baby Suri more than life itself. On her most painful days, however, she can’t help but wonder if Suri was born into the wrong family. The reason behind this question tells a painful story: Suri, the youngest of 3, was born with a rare genetic disease which prevents her body from breaking down proteins. She was put on a strict diet and her parents brought her into the hospital monthly for pricey treatments. It was a challenge, but doctors insisted she would be fine – until, at 10 months, Suri suffered a stroke. Her mind was spared and continues to be totally healthy, but it is trapped inside of a body which is frail and weak. She is currently hospitalized.

Ohel Sarala has been established by Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ginzberg in memory of their dear daughter, Sarala z”l, whose simchas hachayim was infectious. The Ginzbergs searched for a way to perpetuate that simchas hachaim. When they learned about Rav Shteinman’s segulah to pair singles and childless couples, they started an email list that invited singles to join the initiative. In a very short time, the email list began generating an incredible bounty of simchas in Klal Yisroel! That’s when the Ginzbergs realized that it’s time to take Ohel Sarala even further. Since inception, Ohel Sarala singles and Bonei Olam couples have both merited to see miraculous success! The powerful connection between the people has carried them through to build their own Bayis Ne’eman B’yisroel. 286 Babies.

Rivky Elyashiv is no different than your average Bais Yaakov girl. She davens twice every day, performs acts of chesed, and was taught the value of tznius. So when she considered recording a video of herself to have access to the frum world with a message, she hesitated. After giving it some deep thought, eventually she caved.  She saw it as her and her chosson’s only choice. Rivky is the great-granddaughter of none other than Rav Elyashiv zt’’l. She became engaged recently to what she describes as a wonderful man with Yiras Shamayim. But unfortunately, the 22 year old can’t even afford a wedding dress.

The term “meis mitzvah” is one that evokes the purest, most genuine and heartfelt feelings among Jews. Many people might assume that it is a mitzvah that is reserved for a select few, the heroes of the chevrah kadisha who undertake the burial of those without family. But that is not the case. The Hebrew Free Burial Association is an organization that enables every single person to have a part in the extraordinary zechus of ensuring proper burial for every single Jew, no matter their background or financial status. Astoundingly, the Hebrew Free Burial Association buries approximately 350 people a year – almost one person a day!

A recent chilling photo of Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi shows the Rav deep in thought, staring off into space. Besides being engrossed in Torah learning, Rav Ezrachi also has many heavy stories weighing upon his mind. Families young and old come to his office, telling of devastating tragedy, and asking for advice. “My mother passed away when I was four years old. My sister stepped in to be my mother, and raised me. Recently, she passed away as well. I am a kallah, but I am all on my own and not sure where to start.” “My father was in a coma for three years. I sat by his side and I watched him pass away. I can’t believe I am getting married without him.

Two phone calls, a year apart. The First Call: 10/24/2019 – 8:23pm. Rochel Rothman’s phone began to vibrate as she paced the outside patio of an event hall. She was wearing a gown and had her makeup done, but her face looked tired and weak. She held the phone close to drown out the sounds of the band: “Tatty are you sure you want to do this?” “Yes Shaifele,” said the raspy voice on the other side of the phone. “I would not miss Machi’s wedding for the first world. I will be there.” Rochel finished the phone call and wrung her hands nervously. Her father had just suffered a heart attack and undergone open heart surgery. It was almost inconceivable that he would come to her brother’s wedding.