Lev Lalev Orphanage was founded by the Grand Rabbi of Klausenberg over fifty years ago. He was a Holocaust survivor whose wife and eleven children were murdered by the Germans. I was thinking about the character of the Rabbi yesterday, when I was studying on the telephone with one of my grandchildren. In Pirkei Avos (Ethics of our Fathers) it says, “Say little, and do much.” This is the way the Rabbi lived his life.In 1961 he moved to Israel from Union City, NJ, where he had come after the war.
He established the Lev Lalev Orphanage after another survivor left his five children on the doorstep of the Grand Rabbi’s house. He wrote a note which read, “I don’t have the strength to raise these children. Rabbi, will you please take care of them?” Later he set up an old age home. Then, he created Israel’s largest private hospital in Netanya. The Rabbi was not a political figure. He didn’t speak out at rallies and didn’t lead protests. He lived a simple life. The Grand Rabbi understood and practiced the idea that it is important to do a lot and say a little.
I joined the Lev Lalev team, shortly before Chanukah in 2012. Since then, I have been inspired by the teachings of the Rabbi. His son, who is now the Grand Rabbi, provides direction for the home. He serves as a role model for the precious young girls. At Lev Lalev these girls are blessed with the best care. The Rabbi provides strength and advice to our wonderful staff in Israel. Our team, works together to give our orphan girls what they need. We thank all of our Lev Lalev donors and friends for joining in our life saving efforts. Happy Chanukah to you and your families.
