Over the last few years, with the growth of online campaigns, it seems more and more schools and organizations are running Purim campaigns.
I’m all for fund raising and recognize that our Mosdos need money. However, this time of the year is just not fair to run campaigns. Mosdos have 11 months of the year to do what they need to do. This month of Matonos Levyonim and Maos Chitim is the only time where so many who are in need, be it because they don’t have, or be it for those living month to month with no extras for the added expenses of Purim and Pesach, this is the time to be there for them.
This is the time that it is less embarrassing and less uncomfortable for someone to accept the help be it from their Rov or family member. This is the time of year to focus on the many families who do not get help from a Chasdei Lev or other organizations because they don’t necessarily qualify, yet desperately need it. Perhaps for this one month we should focus on our family, our friends, the guy we know in Shul, that neighbor or whoever is in need. Perhaps our schools and organizations can use the other 11 months to raise their money instead of this one time of the year.
Will this letter succeed in changing the system of Purim collecting from an organization point of view? Not even for a second. So what’s my suggestion?
That’s why I am reaching out to you. Yes you. The one who gets a link, a knock on the door, a child trying to raise so he can earn the best incentive prize. The decision is in your hands. Stop for a moment and think if you should give that organization or should you instead call your Rov and see who needs help for Yom Tov. Maybe before you give a moisad, find out who in your family needs a little help to be able to get clothing and food for Yom Tov.
I’m not suggesting to not give schools and organizations, I think you should give them, just give it during the other 11 months of the year and use this month to focus on giving as much as you can for Matonos Levyonim and Maos Chitim. There is a reason why by Purim and Pesach there is an added Mitzva to help financially, so let’s get the money to the people who need it.
Standing for the middle class
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