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Elderly People at the Margins
This very moment, hundreds of elderly olim are desperately lonely, with no real reason to get up in the morning. They have nowhere to go, little family who live near them, and nothing to do at home. Israeli culture and celebrates youth and often turns a blind eye to the elderly in its midst.
A Jewish Issue
Treating the elderly with dignity and respect is a key Jewish issue. In Job 32:7 we are told to honor the elderly, for “Many years bring wisdom.” And of course, one of the ten commandments is to “Honor your father and mother, so that your days my be lengthened (in quality as well as quantity) upon the earth which the L-rd your G-d is giving you.” –Leviticus 19:32.
Yad LaKashish’s Approach
Yad LaKashish is a non-profit organization which provides hundreds of needy elderly Jerusalemites with creative work opportunities and crucial support services. Under the guidance of talented instructors, elderly participants learn to create handmade crafts and Judaica items which are subsequently sold in the onsite gift shop. They receive monthly stipends in return for their work, and become empowered and imbued with a sense of purpose and self-worth as fully contributing members of Israeli society. These people are mainly immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, South America and Iran, and at Yad LaKashish they have a chance to work with people from their own cultures and backgrounds who speak their own languages, and so feel part of a broader community. They also mingle with the thousands of visitors of all ages and nationalities who come to see what they do and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
How you can get involved:
Visit
Come and meet the talented artisans for yourself! Yad LaKashish runs free tours Sunday-Thursdays 8:30-11:30.
Buy
Support the elderly by buying what they make at the Yad LaKashish giftshop, or online.
Volunteer
Yad LaKashish has opportunities for adult volunteers in the workshops, the giftshop, and giving guided tours.
Celebrate a Simcha with Yad LaKashish
Order custom made kippot, tallitot, chuppot, invitations, tzedakah boxes, favors etc or organize a tzedakah drive to mark your special day.
Be a Yad LaKashish ambassador in your community!
Help Yad LaKashish wherever you are in the world by spreading the word about us to your friends and families.
