Yaira and Matthew Binstock have two children, both of whose birthdays are in the spring.  This year they wanted to have a party for both children, and ask for donations to tzedakah (charity) instead of gifts.  Yaira went to the internet to search for Jewish or Israeli charities and Keren Or popped up.  It rang a bell for her because her mother, Adina Singer, has been involved with Keren Or for a number of years.  Yaira was happy to choose Keren Or because it was a cause, caring for blind, multi-disabled children, that her young children, Eliza, 6, and Eitan, 3, would understand.   

Yaira wasn't worried about Eitan's reaction, who is too young to expect gifts for his birthday, but she was apprehensive about Eliza's response.  Yaira prepared to have a lengthy discussion with her, planning how she would explain the importance of giving tzedakah to those less fortunate than ourselves.  But after Yaira proposed asking for donations to Keren Or in lieu of gifts, Eliza's reaction was "How is everyone going to know that they shouldn't give a gift?"  She was immediately excited about it and wanted to make sure that no one would forget and bring a gift instead of making a contribution to Keren Or.

Yaira's friends were happy to make donations, some bringing gifts in addition, so that the birthday girl and boy would still feel honored.   When asked if she sees a trend toward asking for donations instead of gifts, Yaira answered "I hope that this trend catches on.  I know I plan to do it again next year."

If you would like to support Keren Or with a birthday party for your children, please contact Avi Smolen at 212-279-4070 or avi@keren-or.org.

On Wednesday May 11, the 7th Annual Gala Spring Luncheon was held at the Park Avenue Synagogue. Always an exciting and elegant affair, Mistress of Ceremonies, Marilyn Lauer, and chairpersons Nicole Appleman, Judy Levine, Debra Parkoff and Linda Rothschild arranged and executed a perfect afternoon.  Young Leadership Co-Chairs Elana Dushey, Sarette Hornblass, Ilana Lawrence, Alisa Oliner, Samara Papilsky, and Shira Perl were also instrumental in the event's success.   

Honorees Rose Scharf and Melodie Scharf spoke passionately about their commitment to Keren Or and the miracles that happen there every day.  Keynote speaker, Consul General of the State of Israel in New York, Ido Aharoni, delivered a fascinating address about the importance of how Israel is perceived in the world.  He related his own experience in helping to shape the positive "branding" of Israel, providing a firsthand glimpse into the challenges he faces and the progress he is making through the Consulate in New York.  Proceeds from the Luncheon go toward special new hydrotherapy programming, the summer camp, and early intervention programs.

For more information about the Keren Or Women's Division, click here. 

Planning to travel to Israel this summer?  Visit the Keren Or Center in Jerusalem and see firsthand the state-of-the-art facilities, the amazing work of our staff, and the smiles on the faces of our students.

We can only succeed in advancing programs for our students' special needs with your involvement and support.  So when you return from your visit, we also encourage you to share your experiences with your home communities, so that they too can understand the importance of caring for these children.  If you are interested, please call 212-279-4070 or in Israel 073.240.0201 and we would be more than happy to arrange a short tour of the facilities.

to funding the needs of the blind and multi-disabled children and young adults at the Keren Or Center in Jerusalem.  Charity Navigator is

the leading web site offering research and analysis of the effectiveness of nonprofit groups.