Nesi’us ohl, empathy, is a hallmark of the Jewish people. Moshe Rabenu was chosen to lead the nation out of Egypt because he went out to see the nation’s suffering and truly empathized with their plight. We all are expected to do the same. It is up to us to feel the pain of local families crying out for help and be the messengers of Hashem to provide them with a ray of light at the end of their dark tunnel of despair.

We all are commanded to emulate Hashem’s middos with the obligation of “v’halachta b’drachav”, to walk in His ways. Just as He is rachum v’chanun, merciful and compassionate, so too, we are commanded to show mercy and compassion to all those in desperate need of our assistance.

In fact, when we perform chesed for others, the greatest recipient is ourselves, as the act of helping others serves as an eternal merit that protects us in all areas. The Chofetz Chaim writes in Ahavas Chessed that the performance of chesed saves a person from difficulties in life. It also ensures that Hashem will continue to maintain His love for us. Furthermore, it awakens the Divine middah of chesed above, which showers us with Heavenly kindness. The Gemarah in Bava Kama adds that one’s enemies fall away when one commits himself to doing chesed with others.

In our own backyards, there are no shortages of chesed opportunities. Sadly, many of our neighbors and friends in Lakewood are going through struggles and challenges that are indescribably painful and difficult. In our midst, there are many families who struggle day-to-day. They may be struggling with the loss of a parent, a bitter disease of a family member, an unforeseen catastrophe or myriad other forms of pain. They all need us to hear their silent call for help and respond as best we can.

You can protect yourself by saving them. Being there for them in their time of need is, in effect, the best insurance policy you can buy for yourself.

Chesed of Lakewood works to assist these families and help them survive in the difficult circumstances they face daily, providing them with the strength, encouragement and resources they need to emerge from their struggles. The Lakewood Rabbanim have endorsed Chesed of Lakewood’s holy work and urge everyone to grab a share in this incredible mitzvah by generously opening their hearts and their wallets to this cry for help.

By partnering with Chesed of Lakewood, you are fulfilling the incredible mitzvah of emulating Hashem, as well as heeding the call of our revered Rabbanim, and are ensuring yourself of needed zechusim in the process.

Hashem tells us, “If you bring joy to mine, I shall bring joy to yours.” They are crying out to you for help. You can be their savior. Won’t you please accept to do all you can to assist them – and help yourself in the process?

In the merit of joining the work of Chesed of Lakewood, may you see nachas and joy from your own family and may we all merit the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.

Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita has issued a powerful bracha to all donors to Chesed of Lakewood. When told about the work of Chesed of Lakewood and asked to bless those who donate, Rav Chaim responded, “Bracha V’hatzalacha L’kulam!”