Set the foundation for the unbelievable operations of Keren Almanos V’Yosomim today.
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 Almonos veYesomim, [Widows and Orphans Fund]. The Fund, launched in 2016, started as an extension of weekly
fish & 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 the 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 that began with just ten widows, it quickly spread to most Heimish communities in America & Canada, developing into a crucial source of support for more than 2,500 bereaved families, to date.
As the Covid-19 pandemic hit, hundreds of widows רחמנא ליצלן, who so 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 הסנרפ, both personally and financially, and especially on Shabbos and Yomtov.
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 & chesed of Kllal Yisroel; Yidden from everywhere who 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, עד ביאת משיח צדקנו במהרה בימינו
Many store owners and families have asked us why we offer unlimited butcher/ fish store accounts, rather than giving each family a predetermined weekly/ monthly amount.The answer is that the Keren is not like other organizations that hands out a fixed amount of money for any expense. We have a very unique and targeted mission, which is for families of Almanos and Yesomim to have an abundance of food in the house, throughout the week, and specifically for Shabbos and Yom Tov. This enables them to buy freely, and live freely, without specifically calculating every time they want to purchase these basic staple items.
The needs and sizes of every family vary greatly. Some have young children at home, and others use larger quantities of food for Shabbos and Yom Tov when married children visit. It is, therefore, not feasible to give equal amounts of money to all families.
We instituted a system where families can shop like most regular people, who use poultry during the week and reserve meat for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and special occasions.
This system has consistently enabled us to achieve our goal.
A closer look into our daily operations.
Total Funds Distributed to date:
Adar-Nissan, 2023
Iyar-Av, 2023
Elul-Tishrei, 2023
Cheshvan-Shvat, 2023
Actual Year to date Budget:
Estimated yearly budget
Past year's budget
