They are Jewish Children
By Avrum Rosensweig
How would you describe your appreciation and respect for what orphanages do? What do you think when a friend fosters a child? My guess is you feel a deep respect for their initiative and are in awe of them. Somewhere, someplace you might feel compelled to do the same.
What do you consider when Judaism says: “A person is obligated to be careful in dealing with orphans and widows since their spirits are low — even if they are wealthy. And the Torah states: Every widow and orphan you shall not afflict’ (Exodus 22:21)?
Now think deeply about you as a kid, or what your child is like when he/she is scared. It moves you almost like no other image eh!? It’s not surprising. A scared and unsettled child touches the most sensitive place in our heart. Sometimes it reminds us of our own childhood loneliness.
Take all of these feelings and thoughts and act on them. You have an incredible opportunity to help a child – and it’s not complicated to get things going. The Jewish Family & Child Service (JF&CS) – a government-mandated children’s aid society – and an outstanding one at that, has in their jurisdiction, 93 Jewish children waiting to be fostered.
Here’s what they asked in a reason communiqué:
There are currently 93 Jewish children in the care of Jewish Family & Child Service. Unfortunately, that number only continues to increase. JF&CS is urging us, therefore, to find room in your home and your heart for a child who desperately needs support and shelter. We welcome Jewish foster parents of all levels of religious observance across the GTA. Remuneration: Minimum $1000 per month; Training will be provided. Contact the JF&CS Intake Department at 416.638.7800.
While these children’s are not orphans they cannot stay with their families. Being parentless must be brutal. May I suggest you call JF&CS. I know families who have, one who actually fostered over sixty Jewish children, and they advice it.
Sometimes their experience was magical. Sometime it didn’t work out. But they did it. They opened their hearts and homes. Give it a try. (JF&CS can hook you up with a foster family to get more information and see what it’s like).
A Jewish child is alone here in Toronto. Show them love. Hug them. Make them feel safe. Foster a Jewish child. Your children will grow. You will feel like an important part of our world. Think about what you’ll do for that child.
Once again, remember what you think about when you read about or hear of individuals doing incredible things for children? Do not discount ‘you’ within this formula. The only difference between those who foster and those who don’t is initiative, not will. I have heard from individuals that they truly want to assist children, but are not sure how to, or afraid that they might screw up.
Do something different. Open your heart and home, or at least call JF&CS and ask them for information. Share it with your family, your loved ones and give it a go-around. If it works it will make a world of difference to everyone. If it doesn’t – well you can try again later!
Yisha koach. Let’s foster all 93. Let’s make the Toronto Jewish community an example to other communities through the statement, ‘we leave no children behind.’ Please.
Let me know you have or are thinking about it. Ill encourage you. Email me at avrum@veahavta.org or drop by my blog at http://avrum.net. You have the resources, both materially and soulfully. Share your love. Do it. 416 638 7800.
They are Jewish children.

