The Power of Colel Chabad’s Donors

To the amazing management and generous donors of Colel Chabad

I’d love to share something with you and take this moment in my life to pause and give thanks for all I’ve received.

I was born into a joyful Chassidic family and had a happy childhood filled with Torah classes, a close-knit family, and nature walks. Though we didn’t have much materially, I felt like I had everything—security, love, attention, and joy.

But life took a turn when my mother became ill. Our home entered a new phase of treatments, prayers, and emotional upheavals. Eventually, we moved closer to family, and after an intense battle, my mother passed away. The funeral was over, and the shiva ended, leaving us alone—nine unmarried children and a widower father, starting life over in a new city.

In those years, when the spotlight on our family faded, Colel Chabad stepped in. They gently began accompanying us, offering psychological treatments, private lessons, food deliveries, scholarships, vacations, and farbrengens. The support was life-saving.

As a teenager, I would tell my friends, “I think the requirement to join Colel Chabad’s staff is the ability to give a huge, boundless smile.” Every event felt like a celebration of our presence, with the management knowing our names, smiling, and embracing us. I never felt embarrassed to attend these events, nor did I feel obligated to give back. Colel Chabad provided a platform of giving that allowed us to lift our heads and continue on in life.

When key figures in the organization passed away, it felt like a personal loss. They were like “fathers of orphans,” and their absence was deeply felt.

Today, I am 22 years old, healthy, happy, and working in a role where I try to appreciate life and all the good that has come my way. About two months ago, I got engaged. I stood at my mother’s grave, and with tears of joy after years of pain, I promised her I would build a Chassidic, Jewish home based on Torah and mitzvot.

As per custom, I need another couple to accompany me to the chuppah. After much thought, I decided to express my gratitude to Colel Chabad by asking a representative who supported me through the years to accompany me.

Thanks to you, I stood back on my feet. Thanks to you, I stayed alive—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thanks to you, I am walking to my chuppah, ready to build another home dedicated to our values. Thank you for everything.

Please pass my gratitude to the donors, managers, volunteers, and everyone in this incredible circle. May Hashem bless you with abundance and joy, and may we witness the Rebbe’s revelation as Moshiach soon.

Thank you for bringing joy into my life and so many others.

Donate to Chesed Menachem Mendel