By Dovid Perl
This past Shabbos, Parshas Chaya Sorah, the retreat center in Yesodot, Israel was filled with emotion as 250 yesomim, ages 8-18 stood together, saying kaddish for their parents.
Who brought all these children together?
The credit goes to Boneinu, a project by Tov V’chesed. Project Boneinu is specifically dedicated to help young yesomim deal with their life’s situation and is run by R’ Yaakov Eliezer Shisha and R’ Meir Aker. Besides for Boneinu’s center where orphans come to eat, do homework, or find a listening ear, Boneinu arranges trips, shabbatons and learning programs to keep these orphans happy and occupied. This past Shabbos was the culmination, as they all traveled to Yesodot to spend 24 indescribable hours among people who understand their plight.
Asking a 9-year-old boy if he can describe his Shabbos, he said, “I’m in a hurry now, I need at least an hour.”
This Shabbos tended to their body, heart and soul, as they were delighted with gifts, gourmet meals, music, dancing, and individual attention given to each child.
The highlight of the Shabbos was when a 6-piece band and choir lifted their spirits as they all danced away until early morning. As the night drew to a close R’ Yaakov Eliezer Shisha, the founder of Tov V’chesed, made an exciting announcement; The Boneinu house will move to a new and expanded facility, slated to begin construction the coming week. The facility will house a chef on premises to prepare warm meals for the orphans, it will sport a rooftop porch, 6 private session rooms and expanded study. As Rabbi Shisha says, “Tov V’chesed is about ending the suffering of Israel’s children. Whether it’s an orphan or hungry child we’ll make sure to give them the childhood they deserve.”
Tov V’chesed can be reached at:
Phone: 845-517-0656
Fax: 845-517-0657
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: PO Box 855 Monsey, NY 10952
Website: www.tovvchesed.com
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