The key foundation of Ezreinu is the act of giving wholeheartedly. The ultimate paradigm of wholehearted giving was Avraham Avinu, who strove to integrate chesed into all aspects of his life. Eventually, chesed became his very core. Hashem bentched Avraham, “Veyhei bracha” (Bereishis 12:2) – Avraham himself would become bracha. Chazal explained that anyone whom Avraham had touched was blessed. How can we emulate Avraham? We don’t have supernatural powers; are we still capable of spreading bracha?
We can’t be Avraham, but we can strive to model our hearts after his. When a friend is troubled, and we’re present with them in their pain, and we ease some of their burden, that’s chesed – and it brings a measure of bracha. We’ve all experienced this bracha before, the warmth that overflows inside when you’ve received help that was given sincerely, or when you’ve given a piece of your own heart to someone else.
As professionals, parents, and caregivers of individuals with disabilities, we have endless opportunities to utilize this midah. The brother of the Maharal understands the words “Olam Chesed Yibaneh” (Tehillim 89:3) to mean “the world will be built upon chesed”. By saying a kind word, giving encouragement, or taking an extra moment to reign in our impatience, we are building. May we merit siyata d’shmaya as we open our hearts and spread more bracha in the world.
R’ Yochonon Wolpin was still living in Ezretz Yisrael with his young family when he welcomed his son with special needs into the world. Another child with a developmental disability joined his brother in quick succession. Within just a few short years, the Wolpins’ world was revolving around diagnoses, therapies, and grappling with services, far from American shores. In New York, they heard, an abundance of services are available for the developmentally disabled population. It wasn’t long before they decided to relocate their family.
They crossed the ocean, but they quickly realized that their journey was far from over. Wading through the paperwork and red tape to obtain services was exhausting and seemed endless, and even when they’d finally reached the finish line, new obstacles were already visible on the horizon. With an overwhelming number of options for schools, respite programs, camps, therapies, and other various services in the burgeoning Boro Park community, the process of setting their two sons up for success was daunting and overwhelming.
It was during this confusing period that the seed of Ezreinu was planted. The Wolpins pictured a world where parents didn’t have to shoulder the burden alone. Where they could pick up the phone and a live, caring, and knowledgeable person could help them navigate the complex systems.
Determined to make their dream a reality, they got right down to work. Combining their experience with that of fellow parents and professionals, they built up and continue to maintain an ever-expanding treasure trove of useful and accurate information about government services, schools, respite programs, camps, doctors, hospitals, gemachim, therapists, practical advice, and more. The information is constantly being revised and updated, and most importantly – parents of children with various disabilities contributed their opinions on many of the providers, enabling Ezreinu to represent the voice of the parents.
Today, Ezreinu has grown to include an enormous database, a dedicated staff, and a spreading reputation for professionalism and warmth.
Holding Hands
Have a simcha? A dentist appointment? PTA meeting?
Life is busy. And it’s HARD to find the right person to care for your special child when something comes up.
The Holding Hands division of Ezreinu is a short-term respite coverage program, designed to cover those few hours you need to get back on track!
For the first time in forever, you can relax, knowing that your child is in the experienced hands of our devoted team.Click the button below to register. Registered families can call in at any time, and we’ll b’ezras Hashem get your request covered.
We accept paid and volunteer requests.
