Shluchim’s Kids Find Library at Their Doorsteps
The package arrives in the mail. Children squeal in delight. Their mother gently raises the cardboard box, bringing out of the reach of overeager, grabbing hands. “Relax, relax,” she says, as she begins to open the package. The kids can barely contain their excitement as the contents are revealed: Books.
Such is the scene at the Lifshitz residence in Boise, Idaho each month when they receive their package from the recently launched Shluchim Children’s Library. Created by MyShliach in partnership with the Levi Yitzchok Library, founded by Mrs Chanie Wolowik of Chabad of the Five Towns, the new initiative allows Shluchim to choose books for their kids in the comfort of their own home, and have them mailed directly to their door.
“It’s been a dream,” says Esther Lifshitz, “My children are all voracious readers. For years it’s been a tremendous struggle living out here with no access to Jewish libraries or appropriate reading materials. For my kids to finally be able to have books to read, it’s absolutely incredible. It’s like a Yom Tov in our home each time that box arrives.”
While the library is especially beneficial for Shluchim living in remote areas such as Idaho, the benefits will be felt by Shluchim throughout America. “This is such a glaring need,” says Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, MyShliach’s director. “We are glad to be able to provide this great service, and be the first ever web based Jewish library.”
A key part of the library’s appeal to Shluchim is the minimal cost involved. “We rely on donors and supporters to subsidize the costs of buying and maintaining books, shipping and other expenses,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos Suite 302, the umbrella organization under which MyShliach is run. “Even a small amount ensures that tens of families can enjoy a Jewish book. That’s a tremendous investment to make for the chinuch of our children on ‘the front lines.’”
According to Lifshitz, the value of easily accessible kosher reading materials is far reaching. “My kids don’t see any other religious Jews in Boise,” she explains. “Reading stories about other frum Yidden helps them appreciate the grand nation and history they are part of.”
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch says the library will help Shluchim with their Chinuch struggles. “Being able to properly educate children on Shlichus is a concept that Shluchim worry and stress over each and every day of their lives. We try do everything in our power to assist them.”
The books are not only teaching Shluchim’s children, but are affecting communities as well. “My children are often so enthralled by the books, they discuss them with anyone they meet,” says Lifshitz. “Our children’s enthusiasm rubs off on our community members, and they are intrigued by the tales they hear which invariably contain many interesting Jewish concepts and ideas. The Library has a direct impact on our Shlichus!”
To sponsor or donate to this project please click here www.myshliach.com/librarydonate or contact info@myshliach.com
To Shliach and Frustrated
It means you don’t read your emails or your spouse gets them and doesn’t bother telling you.
shliach
i am a shliach how do i get books for my kids? (maybe they should inform the shluchim about this service besides just putting an article up for publicity)
info
Library Policies & Hours:
Borrowing period for books is 28 days
Borrow up to 6 books at a time
Borrow books up to 12 times throughout the year
Membership for the entire family
Membership is non-transferable
Library Shipping Day: Monday
Family annual membership: $90*
Not every Yid can read Adult level sefar
Wow! Great Idea! Expand this to Special Needs Children and Special Needs Adults
Frustrated
To #1 I agree with you. I’m also a shliach and didn’t hear about this program. Does this mean we’re not real shluchim?
VISITOR
LEVI YITZCHAK LIBRARY IS AWESOME!!! THAT IS ONLY WHY THIS PROGRAM IS SO SUCCESSFUL!
To #5
I guess you’re not.
Frustrated
To #7 … Shut up! No one asked YOU!
Yasher Koach Mendy and Gillie Shanowitz
Yay Mendy and Gillie Shanowitz- this is all their doing!
Participant
Thank you! Thank you! We love this! I see my box of books up there! We appreciate everyone involved in this terrific project.