“L’Chaim!” To Life in 2018!

In the Jewish faith the word “chai” carries both a numerical and symbolic meaning.  The Hebrew word is made up of the 8th (chet) and 10th (yud) letters of the Hebrew alphabet.  Put together it equals the value of 18.

In the Jewish tradition there are 18 individual prayers.  The Jewish faith has a high respect for life making this word even more important to them.

The number 8 by itself signifies Resurrection, Regeneration; the number of New Beginning.

Now think about the year we have just entered: 2018!  A year with the promise of “Life!” within its very makeup.  Even the Jewish year is 5778,  with numbers revealing ‘grace’, ‘double perfection’ and ‘life!’  What a year to which we can look forward!

  • This year is the 70th anniversary of the birth of Israel!
  • We begin our 15th year of working with the Holocaust Survivors in Israel  This year before us has promise for so much!

A typical toast in Jewish culture is “L’Chaim!” or “To Life!”  Since the Hebrew word ‘chai’ actually has a number value of 18, in Jewish tradition on special events, such as birthdays or weddings, monetary gifts are given in the value of 18 or multiples of 18; 36, 72, 144, etc

This is considered to be a ‘mizvah’ or a good deed; to receive a blessing in return.  For a gift of 18 it is called “giving chai” or translated, “giving life.”   For any multiple of 18 it is called “double chai.”

It is unique and significant that this year is 2018 and representing giving life.  It is exactly what we do.  In fact for years we have asked for donors to give “life to the Survivors”, sending $18, 18 or multiples, in whatever currency is within your country.

Our logo represents “Life!”  We purposely put the stream of Living Water giving life to the tree representing the Jewish people, the leaves are the Holocaust Survivors.  We bring them “Hope!” and “Life!” turning their brown leaves of despair to renewal, new life!  And this is the year to do that!!

The cost of assisting and blessing the Survivors is rising every year.  We receive support from Adopters for their Survivors, but that is a small number compared to the number we give assistance.  We help ALL of them; not just those who receive letters.

In January alone birthday flowers will cost us over $600.  Multiply that by 12 months.  Add in the gas to take them to doctor appointments, rent for our van, costs of events, translators, gifts, meetings, musicians and renting and maintaining Beit Shalom.  It is an expensive operation which we are happy to fulfill.  I and our staff are all volunteer and willingly give ourselves to this work.  We do not receive salaries; we accept the blessings of the Lord.  All the funds you give, 100%, go to bring “Life!” to the Holocaust Survivors in Israel.

In this new year of 2018, will you “give Chai!”, or “double Chai!” – Life! to the Survivors?

Thank you for loving the Survivors enough to bless them in their final years.

“A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.” Proverbs 18:16

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27

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