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Brachi Drutman may have lost her mom, her sight, and her hearing – but that won’t stop her from being in control of her own destiny. Enrolled in a program to become an accountant, the 20-year-old Bnei Brak native is currently studying to establish her career. Because she is legally blind & deaf, the classwork and tests admittedly take more effort for her than for other students. That has not deterred her, however, from working toward her degree.

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A Ramat Shlomo family made the news today, after father of 15 Asher Lichtenstein reportedly suffered a stroke as a result of immense financial pressure. The stroke, and its consequent brain damage, has opened a conversation regarding the health risks of fiscal stress, and the effect that disability has on family dynamics.

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Shlomo Goelman of Bnei Brak was on the street outside of his yeshiva when he saw something unusual: a young man seemingly on the verge of tears. Curious, he approached him, to ask if everything was okay. The young man, hesitant, introduced himself. After a brief conversation, he began to share his painful story:

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“Just a few weeks before her wedding day, 21-year-old Shoshi* got a call from a relative. In the middle of trying on a bridal gown, the young bride quickly asked if her aunt if she could call her back at a better time.
“No Shoshi,” said the voice on the other side of the phone. “I’m so sorry to tell you this. But something terrible has happened.”

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Weeks have passed since the tragic fires which destroyed the Israeli town of Moshav Mevo Modi’im. Many of the survivors, through family connections, or successful GoFundMe-style campaigns, have been able to successfully relocate their families. Some, however, have not been so fortunate.

One such family is the Sorias clan, a young mother and father and their 6 children, who are still living in the temporary school dormitories. The fire was a particularly harsh blow to their extended family, who had lived on the moshav for three generations.

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Smoke filled the sky of Israel on May 23 as fires raged across the country, flames spreading easily in the hot and dry weather.  Despite intense firefighting efforts in the Ben Shemen Forest, Moshav Mevo Modi’im was destroyed. 70 families were evacuated and, as a temporary measure, housed in empty yeshiva dormitories.

Today, more than a month later, there is no permanent situation in sight. Avi and Sima Sorias, whose parents are among the founding members of the Moshav, are among the displaced families. They are currently housed in an empty dormitory in Kibbutz Chafetz Chaim, but as a large family with 6 children the situation is untenable for the Sorias family.

Rebbetzin Leah Koledetsky Pens Heartfelt Letter to N’shei Yisroel, Asking Them to Assist Her Brother, Rav Shlomo Kanievsky

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The story of Yitzchok Amar of Jerusalem spread through the Jewish internet like wildfire this week, after his wife released a heartbreaking video telling their story.

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Bracha and Yaakov Guberman were another ‘aliyah’ success story – the couple moved from Russia to Israel in 2007, elated to begin their lives in the Jewish homeland. They settled in the peaceful suburb of Ramat Beit Shemesh, Yaakov found work as a silver engraver, and they were blessed with three beautiful children. Bracha dedicated to her life to her childrens’ needs, including the many daily tasks associated with caring for their daughter Chana Liba, who was born with both Downs syndrome and Turner syndrome. Despite their challenges, they remained grateful and optimistic.