$150,000 Urgently Needed To Take Org. Through Pesach As 10/7 Decimates Local Donations
The Simchas Torah massacre in Eretz Yisrael pierced the heart of every single Jew no matter their religious affiliation. The attack forced us all to look at life differently. Moreover, it required that we each take upon ourselves acts of kindness and charity for those affected. Many of us participated in local collection drives and opened our pockets to support Israeli charities in ways we have never done before. Others traveled to Israel and gave their time to aid in the relief efforts underway for those displaced and for the devoted service members. These efforts were all necessary. However, at the same time, our local charities suffered tremendously.
With sadness, Tomchei Shabbos of Queens (TSQ) has reported that for quite some time now, they have been operating on reserve funds. Yes, you read that correctly: This vital community organization does not have the funds to properly operate its Purim distribution this year and has resorted to money stored for an emergency.
Their budget is astronomical, the need is real, and we cannot deny this local charity that has been operating for the most part under the radar since 1978. Reb Yitzchak Katz, warehouse and distribution site manager, phoned Shimi Pelman, Tomchei Shabbos’ longstanding and devoted president, and began by discussing their organization’s current plight. He asked pointedly, “Shimi, when was the last time you sent us a check? Do you remember giving us a donation since Rosh HaShanah?” Realizing that shortly after the Yamim Tovim the worldwide Jewish community was dealt an awful blow, Shimi understood that he had unintentionally let down TSQ, one of our oldest, most valued, and respected community-run charities. Shimi thought, How did we forget about those in our own community who depend on our help? In truth, there are some 550 families that are fed by the efforts of TSQ, and the group’s administration is trying hard to decide how to make their quickly-approaching Pesach distributions successful with funds so low.
Reb Yitzchak explained to Shimi that he was not alone in slacking in his support for Tomchei, as nearly every regular donor to the kosher food supplemental group has also seemingly forgotten Tomchei. Nobody is suggesting that the donations for Israel were not necessary, but that does not mean that any of us can expect some other magical resource to cover the desperate needs that local charities face. We are asking you to go deeper into your pockets if possible and support the vital and essential service that TSQ provides. While this Purim was covered from money put aside for a rainy day, this institution needs roughly $150,000 to run a successful Pesach distribution. We ask every shul to hold an emergency appeal for this urgent effort.
For Pesach, families receive food and holiday staples ranging from $500 to $1,500 in value, dependent on family size. This total well exceeds the current ask, but gathering these funds will help Reb Yitzchak and Shimi rest easier knowing that Tomchei Shabbos of Queens can continue in its mission of feeding the underprivileged and underserved Jewish families in our midst. Know that as you enjoy your holiday and Shabbos meals, your donation to TSQ has gone directly into the food distributed that has given simchas Yom Tov Shabbos to families just like yours.
Please visit www.tsqinc.org to help relieve this communal crisis.
