Doing Things That No One Else Will Take On
Rabbi Jonathan Porath
Over the past 38 years, Rabbi Jonathan Porath has made 115 trips to the former Soviet Union. Most have been as a representative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC or Joint). He is the country director for Western Russia.
He lives in Israel with his family, having made aliya from the States many years ago. His is a vibrant presence; he speaks incredibly fast, perhaps afraid you won't have time to hear all the important things he has to tell you. These are captivating, real stories he shares about immigrants to Israel from the Former Soviet Union. Rabbi Porath maintains a Klitat (Fund) for Russian absorption and is interested in doing things that no one else will take on. Their effort to look into each situation thoroughly and spend the time to get to know and to care is unique.
Our Involvement
Hands On Tzedakah initially gave Keren Klitat Aliya Neve Orot a check for $1,800. It was divided 10 different ways. Since that time HOT has become a champion of Rabbi Porath. We meet with him regularly and among the cases presented to us, we choose where we feel we can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
Here are but five of the many stories.
($250) - A grandmother helps her daughter's family of 6 children. The baby is paralyzed and the mother spends more time at the hospital than at home leaving the other children in the care of the grandmother. There are many additional expenses and debts. These funds will help.
($690) - A mother of 2 children, the one suffering from severe autism and her husband who earns minimum wage. We supplied funds for orthopaedic shoes and diapers for 6 months.
($600) - A 53 year old choir conductor had surgery after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Chemotherapy treatments began after a month of healing form the surgery. She is being processed to begin taking her pension but that will not start until October. We will give her $100 per month for 6 months during her treatment.
($250) An elderly couple, both very ill are in need of funds beyond their monthly pension from Bitach Leumi. HOT gave them a subsidy for their rent.
($300) - Menachem is a 48 year old victim of terror who has survived 3 explosions with both legs being left crippled. After suffering a stroke, he was left an invalid. His wife has cancer. They are both in and out of the hospital with a monthly prescription bill of over 700 shekels. They have 3 teenaged daughters in high school. We have helped this family in the past. This time we gave them $50 per month for 6 months as a subsidy.
Remember, they take care of the important bits and pieces that no one else will. There are many more that Rabbi Porath could help if he had the means.
Contact Information:
Keren Klitat Aliya Neve Orot, Rabbi Jonathan Porath, Nerot Shabbat St. 623/10, Ramot Alef, Jerusalem, 02-586-8757, jporath@jdc.org.il
