בעזרת השם יתברך
To all my dear generous and open-hearted friends
I thank Hashem with all my heart for the great merit He has given me to create the world-renowned Keren Almones v'Yesomim [Widows and Orphans Fund]. The Fund, launched in 2016, started as an extension of the weekly fish and annual Pesach Chalikahs, which was founded by my late esteemed father, Harav Shulem Laufer Ztz”l, under the direction of the holy Satmar Grand Rebbe, כ"ק אדמו"ר מסאטמאר זי"ע
The Keren is a unique system that provides bereaved families with peace of mind, knowing they can purchase as much fish, meat, and poultry as they need - with the greatest level of dignity and generosity. From a very modest beginning with just ten widows, it quickly spread to most Heimish communities in America and Canada, developing into a crucial source of support for thousands bereaved families to date.
As the Covid-19 pandemic hit, hundreds of widows רחמנא ליצלן, who suddenly lost their breadwinner, were unfortunately added to our list. Imagine a house without a father, without the head of household to carry the burden of פרנסה, both personally and financially, especially on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
The Fund has come to their rescue, offering them tremendous encouragement and reassurance that they are not alone and can continue running their lives with new strength and confidence, and above all with self-dignity. Now, looking back on what developed in these past years, we are deeply inspired by the generosity and chesed of Klal Yisroel; Yidden from everywhere exhibit a rare warmth and feeling, and want to have the zechus to partner with the Fund by sponsoring one or more families, etc. May the Ribbono Shel Olam repay every Yid that extends a hand to another, and enable us the zechus to maintain and grow this holy work in the months and years ahead.
Many store owners and families have asked why we offer open butcher and fish store accounts instead of providing each family with a predetermined weekly or monthly amount. The reason lies in our unique mission: to ensure that the families of Almanos and Yesomim have an abundance of food throughout the week, especially for Shabbos and Yom Tov. This approach allows them to purchase essential items freely, without the need for constant financial calculations.
Every family's needs and sizes vary significantly. Some have young children at home, while others require larger quantities of food for Shabbos and Yom Tov when married children visit. Providing equal monetary amounts to all families is impractical.
We’ve implemented a system that reflects regular shopping habits, allowing families to purchase poultry for weekdays and reserve meat for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and special occasions.
This approach consistently enables us to achieve our goals.
