Happy New Year 2011

Want and make a Happy New Year is like building a flower garden.

First we have to choose the location for the garden. What flowers will be plant, good earth, take care with love throughout the year, so that nothing goes wrong...

During the period of one year, we see healthy growth of flowers and foliage, or see wither and die, just depend on how take care of every detail, from beginning to middle, because the end, you never know! So it may be the New Year - happy and colorfully or sad and gray.

Are our decisions and actions that make sense, for good or for evil, to do or finish. Only desire is not enough. We have to take several actions together to achieve positive goals. Some opt for new clothes, colors, foods, or other symbols for luck, others pray. Indeed, in the New Year, few do differently or better than the old year.

Choice. You want make a difference in this world or just want to get lucky?

Your New Year, of their relatives and friends, may depend on that decision - Start now to plan and build um.Feliz New Year 2011 - Plant new flowers in your life and change your future landscape.

Adelle

Shanah Tovah 2011

Hallelujah - Praise the L-rd & Happy Holidays

 Christmas tree made from 5,480 plastic bottles stands tall in Haifa

As you know, Jews do not celebrate "Christmas" but in this time We share the principal reason for this Christian day feast: Love, Charity and Fraternity. So, here's a message to all  who celebrate Christmas.

Merry Christmas!
Hey you, where you go so fast?
I know you have little time ...
But do give me a few minutes of your attention?
I realize that many people in the streets, running like you.
Where goes everyone?
The shopping-malls are crowded ...
Children are dragged by parents rushed, amid the turmoil ...
There is a widespread rush ...
Food and beverages are stored ...
And the gifts then? There are so many to buy...
I understand that you have little time.
But what is the reason for the rush?
I realizing, too, the lights adorning shop windows, streets, houses, trees ...
But I confess, I see little sparkle in eyes ...
Few smiles and friendly, little patience for a fraternal chat ...
It's nice to see lights, colors, abundance of food and materials goods ...
But it would be so nice to see smiles francs ...
Handshake lengthy...
Hugs tenderness ...
More gratitude ...
More love ...
More compassion

Perhaps you've never noticed that there are people who offer gifts by mere interest ...
There are hugs colds and calculating...
Which family members hate each other, without the slightest willingness for reconciliation.
But since you lent me a few minutes of your precious time, I would ask again - Why do you hurry?
Amid the turmoil, sitting on the curb, a homeless, maybe drunk, screaming loudly, "living The Messiah, Merry Christmas!
And the "sober" person make a comment: "He's crazy. "
And the City preparing the Christmas ....
But for that you still have time to ponder the true meaning of Christmas, I dare say:
Christmas is not just a festive day, the essence of Christmas should be a way of life.
Christmas should be the expression of love ...
And those who live without love does not know the charm of the sea that incessantly caresses the beach in a back-and-forth constant ...
Christmas is a fraternity...
And life without brotherhood is like a river without a bed, a moonless night, a child without a smile, a star without light.
But Christmas is also a union ...
And life without marriage is like a cracked boat, a bird with broken wings, a sailor lost at sea without end.
And finally, Christmas is a pure expression of love ...
And life without love is disabled for peace, because in its intimacy, not blowing the breeze of dawn, and no one else realizes the scenario multicolored sunset.
Living without peace is like sailing without a compass on a dark night ... It is not aware of the ways that emphasize the soul and gives meaning to life.
Anyway, life without love ... Well, life without love is mere illusion.

May this Christmas be for you more than parties and exchanging gifts.
May the Christmas be a lasting mark on your lifestyle.

Author Unknown

Hallelujah (Halelu-Yah means literaly "Praise the L-rd")

Save a Child’s Heart - SACH

Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) is an Israeli-based international humanitarian project, whose mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from developing countries who suffer from heart disease and to create centers of competence in these countries. SACH is totally dedicated to the idea that every child deserves the best medical treatment available, regardless of the child's nationality, religion, color, gender or financial situation.

SACH is motivated by the age-old Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. By mending the hearts of children, regardless of their origin, SACH is contributing to a better and more peaceful future for all of our children.

The SACH mission is achieved through:
- Providing life-saving cardiac surgery and other life saving procedures for children from developing countries at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel;
- Providing a full outreach training program for the medical personnel from these countries in Israel;
- Leading surgical and teaching missions to partner countries in the developing world;
- Holding pre-operative and follow-up cardiology clinics in Israel and abroad.



Help Children
- The Children brought to Israel are treated at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon and hosted at the Children’s home in nearby Azor.
- Since 1995, Save a Child's Heart (SACH) has treated more than 2,400 children suffering from congenital and rheumatic heart disease aging from infancy to 18 years of age from the “four corners of the Earth” - 42 countries where adequate medical care is unavailable.
- 40% of the children who underwent cardiac surgeries are from Africa; 49% are from the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, Iraq and Morocco; 4% are from Eastern Europe and the Americas and 7% are from Asia.
- The annual number of children treated by SACH has grown dramatically from 48 cases in 1996 to over 200 in 2009.
- At any given moment there are thousands of children suffering from heart disease around the world who require our assistance.

The International Photography Exhibition - SACH

Donete: Please click here.

Childhood Brazil

Childhood Brazil is an "arm" of the World Childhood Foundation (Childhood), an organization founded in 1999 by Silvia Renate Sommerlath, Queen Silvia of Sweden, to defend children's rights and promote better living conditions for children in situations of vulnerability worldwide.

Besides Brazil, Childhood also has offices in Sweden, the United States and Germany, and supported over 500 projects in 16 countries.

Childhood Brazil works to protect children against abuse and sexual exploitation. With this focus, the organization develops its own programs at a regional or national level and supports projects in different locations.

Childhood Brazil focuses on protecting children against sexual abuse and exploitation through three main lines of action: Inform - Educate - Prevent


Childhood Brasil - Institucional from Childhood Brasil on Vimeo.

Programs

- "Surfing the Web Safely

- "Program "On the right hand"

- "Sustainable Tourism and Childhood"

- "Growing Seeds"

- "Special Interview"

- "Strengthening the Safety Nets"

- "Partner ABMP" - Brazilian Association of Judges, Prosecutors and Public Defenders of Children and Youth

- "Strategic Communication for the Cause"

- "PPEVS" - "Pernambuco" Programme to Combat Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents

- "Tim Lopes Award for Investigative Journalism"

Want to help or make a donation? Click here.

Chanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings

Karro Art - A Hanukkah Miracle - Judaica fine art Jewish oil Painting Gallery

Blessing over Candles

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, L-rd, our G-d, sovereign of the universe

asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

l'had'lik neir shel Chanukah. (Amein) to light the lights of Chanukkah. (Amen)

Blessing for Chanukkah

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, L-rd, our G-d, sovereign of the universe

she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein) Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time

Shehecheyanu (first night only)

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam Blessed are you, L-rd, our G-d, sovereign of the universe

shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein) who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen)

After reciting the blessings, use the shammus to light the Chanukkah candles from left to right (newest to oldest).

Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour. Standard Chanukkah candles burn for about an hour.

Thanks by permission Judaism 101

Happy Hanukkah! - The Festival of Lights

Style Menorah - The Maccabees: "Mi Chamochah Ba'elim A-donai? - Who is like you Oh G-d?"

Hag Ha'urim "The Festival of Lights" it is coming... We say in Hebrew "Hanukkah" (Hanu - "they rested" and Kah - "twenty five" recalling the day when the fighting ceased and the Temple was dedicated. - Hanukkah literally means "Re-Dedication"

Is celebrated (begins at sunset) in December 1 until December 9, 2010.
(on Jewish calendar, 25 Kislev until 2 Tevet, 5771)

Hanukkah or Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for 8 days

The Families celebrate Chanukah at home or at Synagogue. They give and receive gifs, decorate the house, entertain friends and family, eat special foods, and light the holiday menorah.

At home
Lighting the Chanukah Menorah - The Chanukah Menorah has 8 branches, in contrast to the one in the Temple that had 7 branches. Commencing on 25th Kislev, the Chanukah menorah (or Chanukiah) is kindled to proclaim the miracle of the Temple lights, when the cruse of oil containing only enough oil to light the Temple Candelabrum for one day, lasted for eight days. Starting with one light on the first night, an additional light is added on each of eight nights.

Publicizing the miracle - The lights are placed near a window or doorway in order to publicize the Chanukah miracle.

Ma'oz Zur - This popular hymn is sung after the candles are lit. The song recalls the miraculous defeat of Israel's enemies over the generations.

Chanukah Gelt* or Chanukah Money* - The Chanukah Gelt is distributed to children after the candle lighting.

Dreidel or Spinning top - While the lights are burning, it is customary for the children to play a "put and take" type game with a spinning top, called Dreidel. On the sides of the top are Hebrew letters that both indicate the rules of the game and offer a mnemonic of a Hebrew phrase indicating that "a great miracle happened here."

In the Synagogue - Lights are kindled in the synagogue as well as in the home. Extra prayers are recited. Psalm 30 with its theme of the deliverance of the House of God is an integral part of the festival service in the synagogue.

The Story of Hanukkah
- Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people around the world celebrate the holiday ofChanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calendar varies from year to year. The holiday celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel

- Long ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrian king, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish people to reject their G-d, their religion, their customs and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee.

- Judah and his four brothers formed an army and chose as their name the word "Maccabee", which means hammer. After three years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean the building and to remove the hated Greek symbols and statues. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, the job was finished and the temple was rededicated.

- When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N'er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lamp should never be extinguished.

- Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for eight days.

- Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil.

The Aleh Foundation - One Life at a Time

The Aleh Foundation was formed in 1984 by a group of women to help cope with the staggering need for disabled children in Israel.



In 1989 a delegation from Israel reached out to Rabbi Shlomo Braun to establish a US fundraising office and expand the Aleh Foundation’s public relations and fundraising activities. The Aleh Foundation opened its first office in the United States in
1989, and developed a network of more than 30,000 friends throughout the USA who became staunch supporters of our activities. With the Aleh Foundation’s help, the rehabilitation centers in Israel grew from a hospice program of 23 children to become the nation’s largest provider of educational rehabilitative services to severely developmentally disabled children operating in four different cities in Israel.

The Aleh Foundation hosts an array of successful fundraising events in the Gotham, The Museum of Jewish Heritage, The Marriot, as well as parlor meetings in different locations. Aleh Foundation hosts Gala Events in Los Angeles as well as Chicago and other locations in USA. Prominent Leaders and celebrities from the USA and Israel join our elite circle of friends in our state-of-the-art fund-raising projects. Aleh Foundation organizes many different Bar-Bat Mitzvah Projects in schools or custom-tailored to their needs and School Projects instilling chesed in their curriculum and in their every day lives.

In addition to funds, the Aleh Foundation also sends highly specialized equipment to Israel for use by disabled children, including therapeutic communication toys; specialized cups and spoons; custom designed carriages (See illustration) and wheelchairs, hard-to obtain medicines, clothing and many personal items, all donated by generous supporters.

The Aleh Foundation is now expanding its services to include other select Israeli institutions in the areas of:

Educational and recreational activities
Therapeutic services
Family Respite
Funds for serious illnesses
Housing
Food and Clothing
Medical Care

Want to help and donate?
The Aleh Fondation - Helping the Helpless: "One life at a time"

"We can make a difference..."

...and we should do it"

The Ethics of Jewish Responsibility
Chief Rabbi, Professor Jonathan Sacks

Today we are witnessing a strange paradox. We are confronted daily by images of global disasters: terror, suicide bombers, damage to the environment, countries and continents affected by poverty and diseases, and natural disasters, tzunami, earthquakes. There is something natural - a basic instinct of empathy and sympathy - that makes us want to help when we see people suffering.

At the same time, often feels small and insignificant. What can we do to help? The impact can cause appears inadequate before the scale of these tragedies. There are six billion people today. What a difference an individual can do? We're just a wave in an ocean of humanity, dust on the surface of the infinite.

The story of the "ethics of responsibility" is a Jewish story for our time. Judaism began with Abraham, a single individual. And still the faith of one of the smallest peoples in the world. But Jews have always had an impact disproportionate to the numbers. Why?

The reason is the radical belief embedded in the heart of our faith, we can make a difference - and we should do it. G-d calls us to become His "partners in the work of Creation." The Judaism is not a faith that leads us to accept the world as it is. It is a faith that challenges us to make the world as it should be. It is a cry of protest against injustice and random cruelty of the world.

Some of the main ideas of Jewish ethics: tzedakah (social justice), chesed (acts of kindness), Darche Shalom (the ways of peace) Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying the Name of G-d), and the principle that; "all Jews are responsible for each other". We call Tikkun Olam - Repairing the World , we are called to mend the fractures in the world, one action at a time, one day at a time.

We tend to consider these ideas as something established as if they were self-evident, but are not. They are rooted in a singular vision of G-d, the universe and our place in it. Judaism maintains an extremely high dignity and importance of the individual - as opposed to the masses, the crowd, the nation, the empire. We do not believe that we are tainted by original sin, or that fate is entirely in the hands of Providence. G-d enables us, as a wise father trains his son to grow, develop and exercise responsibility. We are here to do a difference.

Torah really is, as it says in Deuteronomy, "his wisdom and understanding to the nations".

The ethics of responsibility is the key that gives access for fulfilling the life. In the end, what makes us feel fulfilled is not how much we earn, or what we have, but the feeling of having contributed something of value to the world. Simple things like engaging in acts of compassion and generosity, caring for the sick, comforting with the bereaved, offering hospitality to the lonely and helping those in need.

We hope that every act of kindness lights a candle of hope in a world often dark and dangerous.

The Light Speaks

The Menorah, which literally means Light, a seven-branched candelabrum that has been part of the Jewish tradition for about 3.000 years.

Listen to what the lights are telling us.
by Yanki Tauber

- I'm pure, and keep my purity wherever I go. Light rays that penetrate the filthy dungeon are as pure as those rays that flood a white marble palace.

- My most important use is not providing for you something that has not, but enable him to preserve and develop what you does.

- When you are in darkness, may be on the verge of great danger, or a step of great riches, and be unconscious of both. I, the Light, enlighten you with the knowledge of your potential and what you can accomplish with it.

 - I realize great things, but I can effortlessly.

 - I'm truth.

- I'm a healing force.

I'm colorless, although it embodies all the colors. I lack the substance, mass and weight - but am still an integral part of physical reality. In other words, Am Spiritual.

I struggle to get rid of the physical, but I'm inexorably linked to it. In other words, I'm you.

I'm not an existence for myself, but the revelation of my source.

The Menorah is the symbol of the seven days of creation, the Sabbath, and of Israel’s mission to be the “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). This light is interpreted through Zechariah 4:1-6 in his account of the menorah when G-d explains that the symbol represents the edict of, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit”

- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch

The Hadassah Medical Organisation in Jerusalem

Building bridges to nations through medicine

With 800 beds at Ein-Kerem and 300 at Mount Scopus, Hadassah comprises two University hospitals with medical, nursing, dental, occupational therapy and public health schools. Hadassah is world renowned for its highly advanced technology, equipment, treatment, facilities, skilled personnel and advanced research.
It serves as a referral centre for last resort care for people all over Israel, the Palestinian authority, neighbouring Arab countries as well as Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America - and as a pioneer in new medical specialities.

Hadassah is responsible for treating more than 1,000,000 people each year. It has treated more terror casualties than any other hospital in the world, Israelis and Palestinians alike, including saving the lives of wounded terrorists.

"Building bridges to peace through their medical activities"

How you can help: http://www.hadassahinternational.org/page.asp?id=29

"KAV-OR" Organization

 

Click for English version video

"Kav-Or", Distance Learning and virtual playground for Children in Hospital, a registered public association (NGO), first began operating in 1993 at the "Kaplan" Hospital in the city of Rehovot and at the "Sha'arei Zedek" Hospital in Jerusalem. "Kav-Or" initially operated from within the framework of educational initiatives taken by the David Yellin College of Education in Jerusalem. In 1997 the initiative became an independent registered association, with a Board of Directors of its own, and its goals were redefined. The Association center is, to this day, located at the College, which continues to provide it with great assistance.

"Kav-Or", operates in more than 100 schools children's wards in 27 hospitals, from Eilat in the South to Nahariya in the North. Kav-Or also treats children victims of terrorism who require medical and psychiatric treatment because of the trauma they have undergone. Kav-Or provides its services to hospitalized children from all sectors of Israel's society - veterans and immigrants, religious and secular, Jews and non-Jews – many of whom are from underprivileged backgrounds. To support its work, the Association works with many volunteers as well as with a Friends association.

"Kav-Or", works in collaboration with Ministry of Education schools located in hospitals as well as with additional organizations working to help the children. The program has earned the recognition of the Ministry of Education and Culture and is highly regarded.

Hospitalization involves fears and pains and children's being cut off from their familiar surroundings. In order to alleviate these difficulties, the "Kav-Or" organization provides hospital classrooms as well as stand-alone and portable computers and peripheral equipment, designs friendly learning environments and runs a special website for children that is also translated into Arabic and allows access to activities in additional languages. "Kav-Or" computers have rich and user-friendly menus to access programs, learning software and games, in various fields of  interest and adapted to various age levels. Menu content is updated to keep up with innovations in the field. The Kav-Or website is composed of two sections, one for the general public and the other, requiring a password, offers hospitalized children a variety of activities.

Take a virtual tour "Kav-Or" Org

TELETON 2010 / 60 years AACD Brazil

Click on the image and go in the site to make your donation

Miracles Happen at Meshi!

Meshi was founded in 1998 by Hadassah Zuravin and her daughter Lifsha Feldman, who refused to accept a neurologist’s dire prognosis for their granddaughter and daughter, Ruchama. Although the infant’s disabilities seemed overwhelming, these women set their sights on creating a new, unprecedented rehabilitation center for Ruchama and countless other children in desperate need.



Since its inception, Meshi has set a new standard for the care and education of children with severe neurological and muscular disabilities. The handpicked staff has been given the freedom to initiate the world’s top treatments to provide the very best care. Like Ruchama, Meshi’s children are now making truly gigantic strides to reach their potential---and beyond.

Today, 196 children, from age six months to 13 years are enrolled in Meshi’s nursery, kindergarten and school. Due to a grave shortage of space, nearly 70% of all new applicants must be turned away.

The unflagging, grassroots efforts of Meshi’s founders, staff and parents has resulted in the creation of a rehabilitative center like no other. Its one-on-one care, wide range of intensive therapies, unique client-centered approach, innovative and pioneering techniques, and top sophisticated equipment combine to create an unprecedented framework for treating and educating severely disabled children.
At the start, Meshi worked in partnership with Jerusalem’s Alyn Hospital, until Meshi’s growth compelled the establishment of its own facility. In 2001, the Donald Berman Meshi Educational and Rehabilitative Center in Jerusalem opened its doors.

Children residing outside Jerusalem began enrolling as well, and soon children from across the world started coming for Meshi’s intensive summer therapy sessions.
By 2003, Meshi’s student population had grown—and so had the students. That year the Meshi School was opened, today serving grades one through seven.

Meshi’s physical facilities have constantly been forced to expand to meet the needs of the rapidly-increasing student body. The Early Childhood Center has been repeatedly renovated. Nearby, the Meshi School is housed in a main building, plus an adjacent apartment for the overflow. Unfortunately, the distance between those facilities—and the need to go outdoors-- places a particular hardship on the children.

Would like to help? Click here. Gd will get back to you in abundance and blessings.

APAE - Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional

The APAE São Paulo in Brazil is a Social Organisation Non-Profit national and international reference in intellectual disabilities, from birth to the stage of aging. Its main guidelines are Prevention, Inclusion and Technology.



History
Founded in 1961, APAE of São Paulo - Brazil, has a history marked by the mobilization for the cause of intellectual disability.

APAE São Paulo operates in the areas of health, education, law, research and technological development with a focus on disease prevention and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. His audience ranges from newborn babies to people in the process of aging.

Learn about the services:
Clinic
Support for aging adults and seniors
Socio-Educative Support
Able to Work for people from 16 years
Kitchen Special for treatment of metabolic diseases
Education for children 7 to 15 years
Stimulation and Empowerment for children 0 to 7 years
Warranty and Advocacy of human rights

APAE Institute of Sao Paulo - Responsible for fostering research, systematizing and disseminating knowledge and developing new technologies to improve care and promote quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.

The Institute APAE of São Paulo has library with important scientific collection of over 3,500 volumes on disability, providing the public theses, books, journals, pictures and movies.

Conducts training courses for educators and health professionals, indoor courses, it offers the solutions to social inclusion for companies and organizations, and consulting services aimed at people with intellectual disabilities.

Laboratory APAE Sao Paulo - The largest neonatal screening laboratory from Brazil and one of the three largest in the world in number of children screened.
Beyond the neonatal screening performed by traditional methods, the Laboratory of São Paulo APAE offers its customers the expanded newborn screening, which includes the modern mass spectrometry MS / MS Tandem.

For helping, consult the website APAE Sao Paulo: Click here

CIAM - Centro Israelita de Apoio Multidisciplinar

CIAM - Israeli Center for Multidisciplinary Support / Brazil


The words written in video says: - "This publicity would be to have beautiful images of intellectually disabled people, playing, working, studying, leading a normal life. Just have not because us prefer to use our resources to improve the lives of disabled people. Our publicity will remain simple. But the life of disabled people will improve greatly."

Founded in 1959 by Harry Fromer, CIAM - Israeli Center for Multidisciplinary Support comes from 48 years ago, promoting social inclusion of children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities. CIAM is an organization that works to develop these people, from birth to old age, without distinction of race or religion.

Today's serving more than 600 people with intellectual disabilities, CIAM seek into their programs to serve families in needy on region that is located, as well as supporting the common schools of public and private network with regard to education of persons with disabilities intellectual and / or difficulty in learning.

The monitoring is done through monthly meetings and visits in according needing for the school, encouraging its transformation into a school for everyone, providing theoretical and practical resources.

- Respect, dignity, self-fulfillment, freedom and independence are things that everyone is entitled to have in life. Everyone even. So CIAM, promotes social inclusion of children and adults with special needs. CIAM is an organization working to pioneer the development of people with disabilities from birth to age 3 rd. Because citizenship is for life.

Note: For donations or be a Sponsor enter on site and search for "Contact"

Children's Day 2010

CIAM - (2009)

Making a happy reality on "Children's Day"

Here in Brazil we will have the Children's Day on 12 October. We all buy toys as gifts for our own children and others. I think that's great.

It is also customary to many businesses, persons, organizations and NGOs  to donate toys to children living in precarious socio-economic conditions, aid organizations, orphanages, to sick in hospitals, poor comunities and more.

The Love
But all these toys can not replace the more important: the love.

Many children needed more brotherly-love, than toys.. They need loving most of your visit, than what your toy gift.

We have to meet them personally visiting where they are, bring a smile there, an idea to play with them, an interesting activity, games, rides. We need making more during the Children's Day.

But do not forget: Try to do more throughout the year, until the next  "Children's Day".
Let us make the kids believe they can count on that happy day ever, every day, every year.

Make them know they can count on happy days in the future, not only in the "Children's Day."

Adelle.

Emunah Bet Elazraki Children's Home

"Every child needs one person who believes in him” (Rabbi Karlibach)

At Emunah Bet Elazraki Children's Home we believe in every boy and girl.

Emunah Bet Elazraki Children's Home is the warm, loving and promoting home for over 200 "children at risk" aged 0-18.

Their families are unable to provide their children's basic needs and/or provide them with tools for development and growth. The children are referred to us by the welfare authorities and are assimilated into our unique frameworks.

At Emunah Bet Elazraki we provide a home and a family for children at risk, supply their physiological demands, and enable them to grow in a supportive, warm and loving environment. They receive therapeutic and academic aid, in addition to educational and social assistance. All this is provided by the most professional, dedicated team. Among other things, we provide transportation for our children to and from 22 schools in Netanya.

Emunah Bet Elazraki Children's Home was established in Netanya in 1969. In 1976 we became an independent non profit organization operating in cooperation and with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Netanya municipality, "Emunah", and many donors from Israel and elsewhere. Every child that arrives on our doorstep becomes our child and will always remain part of the Elazraki family. We are proud to act as mother and father for many children, a large portion of them already independent, contributing adults who are raising their children in loving homes of their own.

Naturally, the population of children at risk includes siblings. At Emunah Bet Elazraki we keep brothers and sisters together. Our success in this area reflects in the mutual care among those brothers and sisters.

There are 5 frameworks at Emunah Bet Elazraki Children's Home. The boys and girls are divided into groups by gender and age:

  1. The main Children's House – for boys and girls aged 6-13, in which all our diverse activities take place.

  2. "Bet Esther", The Teenage Girls' House – where 14-18 year old girls develop emotional and social skills and prepare for independent life.

  3. The Teenage Boys' House – a special framework for boys, 14-18 year old boys.

  4. The Infants Emergency Shelter – for babies and young toddlers who have been removed from their parents' care due to an immediate threat for their lives.

  5. The Family Intervention Center – a 3 year program for rehabilitation and enrichment of the family unit.

Here at Emunah Bet Elazraki Children's Home we believe in every boy and girl. We believe a receiving child grows up to be a giving adult.

Elazraki – what’s that? History has it that…

Vision and Goals – Focusing on the Future

Children at risk – Who ”falls” under this category?

How can you help: Click here.

ABADS (former Pestalozzi Society)

Click to see more photos

The Brazilian Association for Social Welfare and Development - ABADS is a charitable institution of public utility, with 58 years of existence.

Mission
Offer specialized programs and services in the areas of Health, Education and Professional Training for children and young people with intellectual disabilities from 0 to 22 years, therapeutic and educational process to autistics, and intellectual support to the disabled adult in order to encourage the exercise of citizenship - in paradigm - social inclusion.

The actions developed by ABADS are a reference for building an inclusive society (showing its importance in the third sector), because they promote information dissemination, support to families and professional training.

Health - Center for diagnosis and treatment.
Education - Special education school for children and kids.
Support centre for adult intellectual disability.
Professional training.

In ABADS over thirty thousand people are served annually in its various programs and services.

You want to help ABADS? Click here to learn more.

Sukkos - Property and pursuit of happiness

by Eliah Succot art Gallary

“And you should take for yourself on the first day the fruit of a citron tree, the branches of date palms, twigs of a plaited tree and brook willows; and you shall rejoice before Hashem, your G-d…” 
Yayikra (Levíticus) 23:40

Our Sages teach us (Vayikra Rabba 30:12) that the Four Species we are commanded to take on Sukkos represent 4 different categories. The lulav, a palm frond, is from a tree that has “taste” but no smell. The Hadas, the myrtle, has a pleasant smell, but no taste. The Aravos, willows, have neither smell nor taste, and the Esrog has both smell and taste. Rav Samson Rafael Hirsch writes that all that we receive from Hashem falls into one of these four categories.

He expounds on the descriptions of the categories. There are certain basic elements in life that are part and parcel of our existence, such as air that we breathe, light that illuminates, the concept of beauty and the sense of smell. The Hadas, which has an odor but no taste, represents these items that by their very unadulterated nature sustain us and bring us joy. Our enjoyment thereof is passive and requires no effort, such as smell. In nature, we also find those items that can be utilized by man for his benefit in their natural state, but man needs to take some form of action to benefit. The Lulav, which has taste but no smell, is representative of these items, such as fruit and vegetables. Lastly, there are items that require toil and effort in order to extract benefit therefrom. These items would not exist where it not for the productive labor of man. Houses, clothing, utensils, and the like are represented by the Arava, which has neither taste nor smell. The Esrog, which has both smell and taste, is the embodiment of completeness and perfection, an item that gives boundless joy and sustains with no effort required to derive that benefit.

We are commanded to take the Four Species on Sukkos. We are commanded to take, for ourselves, together, four objects that represent all that we could possibly get from Hashem. We are to take them, and do as the verse says and “rejoice before Hashem (our) G-d.” All should understand at the harvest time, the time immediately after we have had our fate for the coming year sealed, that Hashem is the One and Only who gives us whatever we have. He has given us these things to use, but as a means to an end – not as an end themselves. These things are tools, so that we can live and thrive in the service of Hashem, perform His mitzvos, and rejoice in that we were given these gifts, before Hashem, on Sukkos.

The commandment to take the 4 species is inextricably tied to the commandment to dwell in the Sukkah. R’ Hirsch writes that the commandment to dwell in the Sukkah comes at a time when the harvest is just about complete. Our houses and silos are stocked, and we no longer feel the same worry and concern that drove us to beseech Hashem for a successful year. We can now sit back and look forward to the coming winter months in comfort and tranquility.

Of course, this is the ideal picture, the best case scenario. There are many people for whom this is only a dream. The harvest was poor. What was stored is not nearly enough for survival, for one’s self or family. Every morning they may wake up not knowing how bread will find its way to their table to sustain them, their wives, children, all those who upon them they depend.

All of us have, no matter the situation in which we find ourselves, must go out to the Sukkah. Dwelling in the Sukkah may remind us that although we have money, one’s fortune comes and goes. What we have is from Hashem and Hashem only. Our forefathers once lived in huts in the desert, not mansions on a landscaped estate. Only Hashem provided for them at that point – and that fact will never change. And this fact should bring solace to the destitute. Hashem provided for and sustained the entire nation of Israel for 40 years in the desert. He protected us from the elements, understood our needs, and delivered to us that which was required. He was there for us then, and He will always be there for us, even when the situation seems hopeless.

The Sukkah reminds us that all we possess comes from Hashem. The Four Species remind us that we must use all that Hashem gave us to serve Him – as that is why we received it. The Sukkah is supposed to prevent us from assigning too much significance to the earthly possessions we have amassed. The Four Species teach us how to properly evaluate the true worth and value of these possessions - as vital tools in the service of Hashem. The Sukkah instructs us how to raise G-d above earthly possessions, and the four species instruct us how to elevate our earthly possessions into holy instruments used in the service of G-d.

- Perhaps this symbolism is the reason why some have the custom to specifically recite the blessing on the Lulav and Esrog in Sukkah. Precisely in the location where we are supposed to be reminded that all we have is from G-d is where we sanctify the Lulav and Esrog with a blessing, and remind ourselves that all we have is to be sanctified as well, to the service of Hashem.

by Rabbi Yehudah Prero / Torah.org

Rosh Hashana - Year 5.771

'Justice and only justice will we should follow'

Nowadays nothing is more important than being fair and make acts of loving-kindness

The name "Tzedakah" comes from Hebrew and means exactly; "social justice with charity". This word tzedakah has a wider significance, because charity is not only give when you have. Tzedakah assumes that what you have, in left is missing to someone.

The concept of "Tikkun Olam" - "Repair the World" has to be part of our principles. If we can not end poverty, at least try to help our neighbors out of it, if you donate one jacket, for example, you practicing a mitzvah (commandment, precept).
The Hebrew word "tzedakah" is commonly translated as "charity" or "tithe" and is partly wrong. The "charity" implies that your heart motivates you to go beyond the simple function. Tzedakah, literally means "righteousness", ie, do the right thing with responsibly.

A "tzaddik" also is a person of integrity, someone who fulfills all its obligations.
The verse says: Tzedek, tzedek you should follow - Justice, justice you should follow, that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Deut. 16:20)

There is a basic human responsibility to be fair to the next. Nobody needs to be rich to do justice. Give with joy, you can donate money, time, clothes, foods, kindness or something. Doing this is a statement that "I do what I can to help."

This is the Jewish concept of "Tikkun Olam" - "Repair the World".

Child Hope Campaign

How to help? Clik on image

Mobilization for the rights of children and youth in Brazil

Launched in 1986, a special program of Trapalhões, 9 hours, the Criança Esperança campaign encouraged the Globo TV to discuss the situation of children and youth.

To disseminate the Universal Declaration of Rights of the Child, the campaign contributed to the inclusion of Article 227 in the 1988 Federal Constitution of Brazil, which guarantees the rights of Brazilian children. Two years later, this article gave rise to the Statute for Children and Adolescents.

Recognized by the UN as an international model, the Children's Hope encourages debate on public policies and changes lives. For two months, all programming Globo binds to present topics related to the campaign, producing special reports, and specific campaign, aiming to report on the application of funds raised.

In 2010, the Child Hope celebrates 25 years. So far, over 200 million dollars in donations have been invested in Brazil in over 5000 social projects. Such contributions have ensured the rights of more than 4 million children and adolescents, have helped reduce work and infant mortality, combating the sexual exploitation of boys and girls and to prepare low-income youth for the labor market.

Child Hope Campaign is a project of Rede Globo in partnership with UNESCO - United Nations organs for Education, Science and Culture.
All money raised by the campaign is directly deposited into the account of the UNESCO since 2004, is responsible for selection, technical and financial monitoring of supported projects.

How to help? Click here

Relief for victims of floods in Pakistan

For many Pakistanis, the recent floods are only the latest disaster to impact their lives. Areas which have recently experienced insecurity are among the very worst affected. Many people in the North West had already been displaced as a result of violence, and had only recently returned home to rebuild their lives.

Others have only just recovered from recent earthquakes, which shook the northern areas in 2005 and Baluchistan in 2008. The floods will also exacerbate chronic problems due to poverty, making people more vulnerable to malnutrition or disease. Thousands of acres of crops have been washed away, and there is a significant risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases.

Make your help for the Red Cross* and help the Pakistanis:
Donate to the Red Cross Pakistan floods appeal

All persons are equal

Teach your child never to discriminate the persons.

In the vast literature this is truth: Those of us who read Dante, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Fernando Pessoa and other great novelists, we will understand each other and we will feel us the same species, as individuals, in the works of these writers.

We will learn that as human beings, regardless of geographical or social position, color, religion, financial status or historical period, we are equal.

Nothing is better to protect us from the stupidity of prejudice, of racism, xenophobia, religious or political sectarianism and nationalism, this truth that always appears in great literature in East or West: We are all equal.

Nothing is better than reading good literature to learn to see differences in ethnic and cultural richness of the legacy and human expression of our multi-faceted creativity.

The discrimination counteract the fundamental principle of human rights.

Site Compasito:
Manual human rights education for children

"Chinuch" - Education, means shaping the child's character and guide it, step by step, in the paths that will help make it a person of integrity and a good person in its entirety.

What is the best charity?

The obligation to give charity (tzedakah) can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health institutions, synagogues or to educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required, or the support of his parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving to both Jews and Gentiles.

Contrary to popular belief, Jews not only take care of our own sake, rather, a report of the study indicate that the Jews "mega-donors" (who give more than $ 10 millions per year to charities) found that only 6% of their mega-dollars were specifically for Jewish causes.

Levels of Charity
Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, the Rambam organized in a list. The levels of charity, from the least merit. for the most meritorious, are:

1 - Giving unwillingly.
2 - Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3 - Giving after being asked.
4 - Giving before being asked.
5 - Giving when you do not know the identity of the recipient but the recipient knows your identity.
6 - Giving when you know the identity of the recipient but the recipient does not know his identity.
7 - Giving when neither party knows the identity of another.
8 - Giving, helping and allowing the recipient to become self-sufficient, so that no more will be needed to charity!

B'nai Darfur - Sons of Darfur

The Darfur refugees in Israel.

On August 15th, 2007, Sons of Darfur was established in Israel. Sons of Darfur is a non-profit humanitarian organization, that works to develop a communal identity for Darfurian refugees in Israel through provision of social, health, educational and cultural programming and services. Aim is to empower the community; help individual members achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence while acting together to advance socio-economic status as a group. While we primarily assist the Darfurian community, the group also provides vital assistance and consultation to other refugee communities such as those from South Sudan and Eritrea.



In the short time since founding, have achieved the following:
- We have found housing for more than 17 families and assisted some 1,000 single refugees in employment and housing.
- We have conducted in-depth interviews and registration of some 750 Darfuris.
- Together with the Tel Aviv Municipality, we have registered 100 children for school.
- We have established regular Hebrew and English language lessons for adults.

The presence in Israel, and meetings with government officials, has raised awareness of the genocide occurring in Darfur. This activism has encouraged the Israeli government to assist the community in Israel and advocate on behalf of ending the genocide in Darfur.
B'nai Darfur is committed to ensuring that our community realizes its potential to be positive and contributing members of Israeli society while using our strong position to assist other, less fortunate, refugee communities in Israel.

You can help - http://www.bnaidarfur.org/?q=node/1
E-mail office@bnaidarfur.org

Israeli Charity TEN YAD / Brazil

The soul-warming soup

The institution's priority is not to allow recession's cruel arm to impair human being's ability to respond to the hardships of life. Financial distress can become a dreadful prison for the individual. Throughout its 15 years of existence, Ten Yad - "lending a hand" has developed special food programs that attend to specific groups of users.

More than 2.100 people receive hot and nutritious meals every day through the 10 programs currently under operation, including the unprecedented "Meals on Wheels" program that ensures food safety for elderly people who cannot displace themselves due to severe health problems.

Full meals at home for who assisted unable to locomotion
:: Care in home for constrained to attend to in a public refectory
: :Regular visits to the care delivered by social workers
:: Motorized system of supply in two shifts
:: Use of "hot dishes" and hygienic practices.

Donations: INSTITUIÇÃO BENEFICENTE ISRAELITA "TEN YAD" / Brasil
Rua Ribeiro de Lima, 530 - Bom Retiro - SP - BR - Cep: 01122-000
E-mail: tenyad@tenyad.org.br
Bank Account: Banco Itaú - Agência: 0064 - Conta: 33460-0

The Jewish Funders Network

The Jewish Funders Network (JFN) is an international organization dedicated to advancing the quality and growth of Jewish philanthropy. JFN's members include independent philanthropists, foundation trustees and foundation professionals. It is a unique community that seeks to transform the nature of Jewish giving in both thought and action.

Membership is open to individuals and foundations that give away at least $25,000 annually in philanthropic dollars, and do so through the lens of Jewish values, no matter whether the funds go to a specifically Jewish cause or to a cause more broadly defined.

JFN is not a grantmaking organization and has no political agenda or affiliation. Solicitation information about members is not permitted and all member information is kept strictly confidential.

MISSION - VALUES

MISSION
The mission of the 'Jewish Funders Network' is to help philanthropists maximize the impact of their giving by assisting in: (a) identification of needs and challenges; (b) shaping of individual and collective Jewish responses to those needs and challenges; and (c) pursuit of opportunities to address those needs and challenges, rooted in Jewish values.

VALUES
JFN represent a broad spectrum of beliefs and attitudes in our membership. We do not shy away from confronting difficult issues, encouraging respectful dialogue, and making hard choices guided by the following principles:

Responsibility (Tikkun Olam - Repair the World) - Together, we face the many pressing problems that exist in the world and are committed to helping funders determine the responsible, ethical use of wealth in creating meaningful solutions. We have the courage to take risks and the willingness to fail in our attempts.

Equality (Betzelem Elohim - all of us are created as equals) - JFN are an open and egalitarian community, where no one member has more power or influence because of his or her wealth, position, religious observance, age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Convened as a community of equals, united in our values.

Respectfulness (Derech Eretz) - We listen carefully and respectfully to others. We strive to create a safe place for provocative, confidential conversations about sensitive subjects, such as wealth, class, family dynamics, personal passions, Jewish identity, etc...

Inclusion (Aylu V'aylu - "This and also this") - We are a pluralistic organization, that values the richness of diversity and sees the opportunities for innovation and learning from conflict and divergent views. We promote shared inquiry, education, and informed action.

Partnership (Areyvut) - We do not advocate any particular funding cause, but act as an honest broker, striving to help donors connect with each other and root their giving in Jewish traditions, ethics and values. With humility, we facilitate the efforts of funders to be more effective, and to think critically about the possibilities for — and implications of — their philanthropy.

Charities Working to Prevent and Cure Breast Cancer

Charity Navigator.Org

Breast Cancer Charities	Rating
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund
The Rose
SHARE
Breast Cancer Connections
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Breastcancer.org
Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation
Young Survival Coalition
Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Fund
American Cancer Society
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Cancer Center for Detection and Prevention
Prevent Cancer Foundation
John Wayne Cancer Institute

Although breast cancer receives the most attention during Breast Cancer Awareness month each October, charities work all year long to raise funds for the prevention, treatment, and cure of this devastating disease. All throughout the year people have the opportunity to participate in various walks, runs, and other special events raising money to fight breast cancer. The pink ribbon has become the symbol for awareness of the disease and can be found adorning everything from soda cans and even sneakers.  
But how many of us stop to examine those pink ribbon charities soliciting our support?

At Charity Navigator we've done the work for you. We've reviewed the financial health of over 20 of the largest charities working to fight and prevent breast cancer in America. Although these charities have been very successful at generating support, together raising more than $1 billion annually in contributions, the disparity in their financial health is enormous.

The good news is that several of these charities efficiently utilize donations to pursue their mission of curing and preventing breast cancer. However, others will astound donors with their inefficient operations. For example, one charity spends just 2.3% of its budget on administrative expenses, while another spends more than 37.2%. Several groups spend at least 80% of their budgets on programs and services, while one spends less than 50%.

Click on the links to the right to learn more about the breast cancer charities soliciting your support.