True Chesed, Helping Orphans

Last week, I was invited to attend the very moving Scholarship Award Ceremony of the Simcha (Simon) and Chana (Jana) FALIC and BARAD FAMILIES SCHOLARSHIP AWARD of Chesed Menachem Mendel – Colel Chabad, which took place in the Yekev (Winery) Psagot, not far from Shiloh. I've already learned that Gd does the most amazing planning. I had davka found myself with nothing to do that day, so I gladly went.

Chesed is the best word for this scholarship program that helps tutor children who have lost one of both parents. Many of the parents who had died were killed by Arab terrorists.

I was only there for the ceremony and didn't stay for the meal, which looked delicious.

Simcha (Simon) and Chana (Jana) Falic are well-known generous donors to a wide variety of projects and institutions in Israel. I was very impressed by their warmth, sincerity and how they treated everyone attending, especially the families. They listened. They didn't just pose for a few pictures and run off.

There were two unexpected things that really impressed me at the ceremony. They were the praise and support for both the surviving/single parents and the tutors. I really liked the fact that the organizers of this project seemed genuinely close to the students and their families.

And as you can see from all of the photos, the recipients are not Chabadniks. And not all even appeared to be religious Jews. The students in the program are all tested every year, and those who get the best scores get this additional award.

The tutors are also mentors. And there were special mentions about them, too. The program also provides "fun days" for the families and covers the expenses of educational assessments when necessary.

An important aspect of the program is that the tutoring is not just for weak students. The Chesed Menachem Mendel – Colel Chabad also helps provide scholarships for the gifted to enjoy programs on a higher level, advanced courses, plus music, art, sports etc.

We were entertained by some of the recipients who are extremely talented musicians.

Kol Hakavod to the workers and volunteers of  Chesed Menachem Mendel – Colel Chabad!