EMERGENCY RESERVE FOR SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Tu BiShvat in Judaism is neither a symbolic nor a folkloric holiday. It is a fixed date with clear legal and religious significance. On this day, the age of trees is determined, which affects the laws of orlah, maasrot, and the permitted use of their fruits. In essence, it is a starting point for an entire set of commandments related to the land and human responsibility for it. The Torah views fruit not as a random outcome, but as the result of a process. First come years of growth, limitation, and waiting — and only afterward permission to benefit from the result. This approach also applies to relationships between people. In Judaism, help is not built on one-time gestures. It is built on consistency, responsibility, and the ability to support another person over time. In this sense, Tu BiShvat carries particular meaning. It is a day that reminds us that sustainability matters more than sudden bursts, and consistency matters more than impressive but isolated actions. The foundation operates according to the same principle. We do not solve problems with a single transfer, nor do we build our work around loud or sensational stories. We accompany people through a process, when help is needed not once, but regularly and on time. The requests we handle are simple and recurring: rent and utility payments, medication, food, urgent everyday expenses. These are not extreme situations, but it is precisely at this stage that people most often lose stability, begin accumulating debt, or lose control of their circumstances. Every request is carefully reviewed. We examine documents, speak directly with the person, and check what other support options may be available. Only after that do we make a decision. This allows us to use donated funds responsibly and for their intended purpose. The core challenge is that without a reserve, assistance must be delayed. Sometimes for weeks. Sometimes we can cover only part of a request. At times, we are forced to decline support, even when we understand that help is genuinely needed right now. This fundraising campaign is launched on Tu BiShvat intentionally. It is a moment of recalibration — a time to form a reserve that will allow the foundation to operate steadily in the coming months. Fundraising goal: 180,000 shekels This amount will provide an emergency assistance reserve for two to three months of work. How the funds are used • The average amount of assistance per person or family ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 shekels. • Each month, the foundation processes 20 to 30 such requests. Funds from the reserve are allocated to: • temporary financial support • urgent household expenses • medication and mandatory payments Tu BiShvat reminds us that fruits appear only where there has been a process and responsibility. By supporting this campaign, you enable the foundation to work in exactly this way.