YAD BATYA L’KALLAHESTABLISHED IN MEMORY OF BATYA RACHEL (ZAKHEIM) BRECHER A”H

Insider StoriesKALLAH ID# 3467B Told by a DELIVERY VOLUNTEER

Yerachmiel had run through my door many times over the past four years. As

always, a smile lit his face, but this time his joy and anticipation were even more palpable. “I’ve never been so happy in all of my life.” As a new chosson, he and his kallah Hadassah were excitedly planning their wedding together. Yet, they were very much alone. As baalei t’shuva without family support, the financial and physical demands of planning a wedding were quite overwhelming.

I would never divulge this to Yerachmiel, but just last night Hadassah’s friends had called me to apply for a Yad Batya L’Kallah package. They were planning a surprise bridal shower where they would mix the YBLK package in with all the other gifts. The kallah would be none the wiser and would be spared any unnecessary discomfort. I was taken aback when Yerachmiel himself also inquired about a YBLK package.

“As difficult as it is for us to ask for help, I’ve come to the realization that we simply cannot

make it on our own. I’d like to please apply for a package on behalf of Hadassah.”

Without breathing a word about the upcoming shower, I just offered an evasive response: “Let’s wait and see what she manages to put together. If you still need Yad Batya L’Kallah’s help, of course we’ll be there for you.”

A few weeks later, Yerachmiel once again burst through the door. His smile stretched from ear to ear. “You’ll never believe it!” he exclaimed, “I have the most amazing kallah in the world! Everyone loves her! Her friends surprised her last night with a fantastic shower that was overflowing with gifts. Now we have everything we need and more! She got pots, dishes, linen…” And he proceeded to list the entire YBLK package item by item.

As his grin grew wider, he added proudly, “Well I guess we won’t be needing Yad Batya L’Kallah’s help after all… and I feel really good about that. Baruch Hashem, we’re going to make it on our own.”

KALLAH ID# 5896 Told by a DELIVERY VOLUNTEER

The wedding was less than 24 hours away and a basement apartment had

just become available. The cold rain sent shivers through my body as I pulled up my loaded van at the curb of a run-down house. I was met by a friend of the kallah and together we began unloading boxes into the basement apartment.

The apartment was bare and bleak. One small bulb lit the apartment. The room temperature was barely warmer than the chilly outdoor air. As I unloaded the plush insulated blankets, I thought about how useful they would be. We got to work immediately.

Pots, pans, and dishes were all unpacked and arranged in cabinets. Brand new appliances were set out on the small counter. Towels and linens were folded neatly and put away. The beds were arranged with beautiful linen. After one and a half hours of work, everything was ready. Just then, an exhausted kallah

entered what she expected to be an empty and cold apartment. Instead, she found a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy bedroom decorated with elegant linens.

I don’t think I will ever forget the expression on the kallah’s face as she looked around the small apartment in sheer amazement. “How did you do this?” she asked her friend again and again. Her friend merely smiled and embraced her as I looked on with tears in my eyes.

To distract the kallah from asking any more questions, I introduced myself and wished the kallah a mazel tov. “Wow! You’re getting married in less than 24 hours. I sure hope you know the latest dances.”

“Let’s practice one,” laughed the kallah.

The three of us joined hands and danced about in a circle as the overjoyed kallah cried out, “I have never been so happy!”

Suddenly, the apartment no longer seemed so dark and cold.

Rav Yitzchok Elchonon Spector, zt”l, The Rov of Kovno, taught:

THE UPGRADED YBLK PACKAGE:

KITCHEN:• Elegant Mikasa China

• Corelle Dinnerware

• 15 piece Farberware pots

• 2 sets Stainless Flatware

• Food Processor

• Toaster Oven/ Broiler

BED AND BATH:• 2 Quilts • 2 Pillows

• 2 Sets of Linen (Choice of 48” or 39”)

• Set of Bath Towels

• 2 Sets of Dish Towels (Meat & Dairy)

• $200 gift certificate to Saposh/ The Robe Gallery

Sponsor a kallah $1000

Sponsor a kallah’s Bed and Bath Needs $300

Sponsor a kallah’s Kitchen Essentials $450

Sponsor a kallah in Israel $300

Sponsor a kallah’s Gift Certificate $200

Sponsor a Kallah

A friend or family member (“contact”) of a kallah calls YBLK or visits yadbatya.org* to receive an application.

The “contact” fills out the application, providing basic details and a reliable reference.

“Contact” is ensured of complete discretion and privacy.

The application is reviewed and references are called to verify the kallah’s need.

The kallah is approved and is assigned an anonymous ID number.

Kallah is referred to other g’mach services for which she qualifies by using her YBLK ID number.

Delivery volunteers are assigned an ID number and address for delivery. Care is taken to ensure that delivery volunteers do not know the recipients.

The “contact” arranges that the gifts are presented to the kallah in a dignified way, (many times presented as gifts or incorporated into a bridal shower).

16 7 8

2 3 45

The Process

from Applying

to Receiving

Dedicated

Yad Batya L'Kallah

1256 East 26th Street,

Brooklyn NY 11210

www.yadbatya.org • yblk@aol.com • Non-profit 501-c3

*To refer a kallah, visit YADBATYA.ORG

or contact: (based on location

of kallah)

BORO PARK: Miriam 718.758.0303

WILLIAMSBURG: Frady Klein 718.858.5931

BROOKLYN: Ayala Berney 845.425.1846

ALL OUTER LOCATIONS: Rochel Brandwein 845.425.0964

ISSUE #28

AUGUST 2015

A MAN’S HONOR IS WORTH MORE THAN ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD.

ThankyovThank you to YEHUDA AND BLUMA FREIMAN whose attention and care for our organization has surpassed a mere business relationship.

Thank you to TUVIA WEBER of Prestige. You have been with Yad Batya L’Kallah since its inception, helping beyond the call of duty to provide the best for our recipients.

Thank you to MR. YATI WEINREB and to his son-in-law, MR. RUVEY HELLMAN for donating hundreds of brand new quality appliances.

Yad Batya L’Kallah thanks those who dedicate their heart and their time:

CASE EVALUATORSAyala BerneyRochel BrandweinFrady Klein Miriam T. Chani Segal- Israel

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Devora FeitMiriam Kornitzer Yossi Sochaczewski

MERCHANDISE AND DELIVERIESHenna Mindel Cohen Lisa Hiesiger Chevy KramerNaomi Rhein

EVENTSOrna Cohen Nechy Eisenstadt Faigy Hirsch Batya Kahan Michal Klerer Eli & Aliza Lichtenstein

AUCTION COMMITTEEHindi Amsel Ellie Basch Chaya Bistritzky Esther Rochel Bistritzky Mimi Grossberger Rozy Harris Malky Juskowicz Sarah Kahan Marlene Kolangi Esti Lichtenstein Mimi Loeb Orit Newman Yehudis Tauber Shulamis Wadler

Special Hakaras Hatov to DEVORI AND ESTI SCHORR for creating and running the Historiathon Program, contributing significant sums each year.

On February 27, 2015 Yad Batya L’Kallah hosted it’s 27th annual benefit auction. Through Yad Batya L’Kallah’s work, Batya’s

name has become legend in our community. Scores of women streamed to the Kingsway Jewish Center to celebrate helping YBLK provide for tens of thousands of kallahs. It was a warm expression of the “special place” Yad Batya holds in everyone’s heart.

A chic buffet complete with carving stations, sushi, salads and desserts was catered by Premier Caterers. Guests enjoyed the elegance, the

social camaraderie, and of course, the fabulous auction. Dr. David Leiberman was the much anticipated speaker. Dr. Leiberman is an internationally acclaimed author and a leader in the field of human behavior. He spoke about building and improving relationships.

It was very befitting that the evening’s honoree was Mrs. Michele Scholar. Mrs. Scholar, lovingly known to many as “Morah Michele,” is a dedicated YBLK volunteer. A beloved woman in our community, she always makes herself available and “adopts” those in need. Through her chessed activities, Mrs. Scholar had come in contact with YBLK. After seeing the gifts and happiness the YBLK package brought to a kallah, she was compelled to join the Yad Batya family, offering her time to deliver packages. Young and old, friends, neighbors, and parents of Morah Michele’s Lev Bais Yaakov preschool students, came out in admiration of Mrs. Scholar. She spoke lovingly about YBLK, “I didn’t say yes to accept an honor. I said yes to lend my name to a wonderful organization… In turn, I’d like to give honor to Yad Batya because what you do is truly unique… the way it’s done- b’tzinaa, b’kavod…

YBLK honors the kallahs, each and every girl that deserves to start off her life the way any girl wants, full and happy… Yad Batya really makes that happen.”

G R A N D P R I Z E : Chanie Hofstatter1. Libi B’Mizrach: Brachie Gross2. Car Lease: Shani Braun3. KMR Tours: Ziona Webster 4. Dini Wigs: Doris Pupko5. $2500 Roy’s Bikes: Nechama Braun6. $2000 Chamoula: Jocelyn Stern7. $2000 AMEX: Sarri Weiss8. $2000 Pink Label: Rachel Zidele9. $2000 Drimmer’s: Esther Solomon 10. $2000 Upscale Shopping: Chavi Kirschner 11. $1800 Molly’s Jewelry: Alice Manaster12. $1800 Pomegranate: Rona Kohen13. $1800 Grand Sterling: Dovid Cohen 14. $1800 Jet Blue: Faigy Halberstam 15. $1800 Living Quarters: Shmuel Hirschman16. Bella Wigs: Chanie Zimmerman17. $1800 Emporio: Dusa Moses 18. $1500 Impressions: Temmy Goldgrab 19. Custom Beds: Moser 20. Foldable Treadmill: Robert Matalon 21. Tori Wigs: Gloria Pearl 22. MacBook Air: Tali Kohn23. $1200 Yellow Door: Chanie Shelby 24. $1000 Batya’s Kitchen: Marilyn Newman25. $100 Amazon: Betty Wicentowsky26. $1000 Crate&Barrel/Pottery Barn: C. Glick 27. Toby Adler Photography: Faigy Shachner28. $1000 Cash: Kayla Wacholder29. Unwind and Dine: Esti Lamm30. Chosson/Bar Mitzva Package: Chaya Schron

31. Floral Design by Orna: Susan Jacobson 32. Night in Manhattan: Jean Gelbfish 33. Yaffa’s Wigs: Aliza Simons34. iPad Mini: Ronnie/Eric Silver 35. $500 Toys ‘R’ us: Chaykie Rosenthal 36. BBA/FFL & $360 Modell’s: Leah Sobel37. $500 Container Store/ IKEA: Suri Hertz38. MAC/ D’vora Friedman: Adina Fischman39. Magnatiles: Goldie Schlosser 40. iWatch: Leah Harris 41. $500 Duddy’s: Chavie Kirshner 42. Vitamix Blender: Lorrine Fein43. Analon Pots: Sheila Chams44. Natural Balance Spa: Salamao Faintuch45. $500 Visa Card: Esther Zwica46. Fly in Style Luggage: Rochel Silber 47. $500 Artscroll: Dubby Eisen 48. $500 Mikes Dinettres: Elan Segelman 49. Airfare for Two to Florida: Nechy Schulhof50. Vintage Wear: Yaffa Kahan51. Custom Clothing: Chaviva Fischer 52. $400 Zara/ J. Crew: Tammy Faintuch 53. $360 Beats: Sara Rosenblatt54. $300 UGG Australia: Zeesie Wacholder 55. Bosch Mixer: Chaya Eichorn 56. $360 LeNappe Linen: Lorrine Fein57. $360 Shopping Spree: Baruch Goldbaum 58. Ham. Flatware/Tablecloth: Helen Greisman 59. $360 Swarovski: Nechama Biderman 60. Invicta Men’s Watch: jackpot winner!61. Jackpot: Shimshon Elchanan

mazal tov

• HONORING • MRS. MICHELE

SCHOLAR

27 th

ANNUAL AUCTION

KALLAH ID# 3467B Told by SHLOIME MENDELOWITZ A”H

In their small fourth floor apartment, the sound of the doorbell caught the family by surprise. Not expecting visitors at this late

hour, the daughter, a kallah, asked “Who is it?” “Delivery!” the caller boomed into the intercom. She buzzed in the deliveryman, and waited at the elevator doors.

“Farberware,” read bold, black letters on the carton.

“Who sent this?” the mother asked.

“Tell you in a second,” he replied, “just gotta get one more box!” And before she could even return his warm smile, he dashed out, tzitzis streaming from his work clothes.

Moments later he was back and then just as quickly as he came he was out again. Every few minutes he would reappear with another package, bag or box. As the piles grew, the family’s excitement and curiosity mounted.

“Just one more box and then I’ll explain everything!” he promised as he hurried out.

They waited for the cheerful deliveryman to return with an explanation.

But he didn’t return and they never found out.

*Identifying details have been changed in order to protect the dignity of the kallah.

INSIDER STORIES CONTINUED... WE SALUTE OUR

DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS:

…Mrs. Zakheim explains how they came to decide on which type of organization to start. “We just knew it had to be something related to simchah, because Batya was a person who embodied simchah. During the shivah her friends shared many stories about her that we hadn’t even been aware of. “One friend told us of the way Batya used to arrange for girls to join in ‘mitzvah weddings’ to be mesame’ach kallahs who wouldn’t have many guests. She relayed that one night

before a big test there was a mitzvah wedding that the girls didn’t want to go to because they were busy studying.

Batya told them, ‘In a few years none of you will remember what mark you got on this test; but this kallah will remember if she had a beautiful wedding.’

Continuing Batya’s LegacyCREATING SIMCHAH FOR KALLAHSFirst published in At Home With Inyan - Hamodia's weekly magazine, July, 1, 2015. Reprinted with permission.

Sima Metzger

Sara Leah Mosier

Beth Rabinowitz

Chaya Bracha Rabinowitz

Rana Reisman

Henny Reiss

Tzivi Roberts

Freida Salamon

Mr. Schwartz

Yocheved Spector

Malky Treitel

Rabbi Levi Zelichovsky and family

Esther Rochel Bistritzky

Rena Bussu

Bashie Cohen

Reb. Dubby Eisen

Chaya Sara Fogel

Haddassa Gold

Nethanel Gold

Mr. Mendel Greenwald

Breindy Gross

Mr. Naftali Gruberger

Ruchama Lampert

Sarala Leibowitz

Miri Meth

GEMACH KOL TEFILLOS CHUPA CARDS:718-258-0415

All Proceeds Benefit Yad Batya L’kallah

to HINDI AMSEL upon the birth of a baby boy!

to NECHY EISENSTADT on the birth of a baby girl!

to LISA HIESIGER upon the birth of a baby girl!

to BATYA KAHAN upon the bar mitzvah of her son!

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Yad Batya L’ Kallah

whenever you shop on smile.amazon.com. AmazonSmile

is the same Amazon you know. https://smile.amazon.com/

ch/11-2906878

YOU SHOP. AMAZON GIVES.

YBLK Event 2015

SIDDUR & CHUMASH RENTAL for your SIMCHA

BROOKLYN: Aliza Lichtenstein: 347-244-6613

FIVE TOWNS: Faigy Elefant: 516-371-0160We apologize to any volunteers whose name may have been inadvertently omitted. May Hashem repay you.

Pho

to C

red

its

Sa

rah

Bis

trit

zky