FEATURED JOBS
Comments (1)By Shifrah Hill
MAJE graduate student
Baltimore Hebrew Institute
A few days ago, we visited a non-profit organization called Yad Lakashish (“Lifeline for the Old”), which provides work and financial assistance to aging immigrants in Jerusalem. In a variety of specialty workshops, including painting, ceramics and metal work, they create Judaica items such as chanukiot and challah covers, as well as items of general interest such as stuffed animals, paintings and cards.
This work provides them with a sense of purpose and self-confidence. Though the workers are not professional artists, the staff are masters of their trade and design items people will be interested in purchasing. Production is broken down into tasks that can be easily accomplished by the workers.
I was surprised to learn that Israel is mostly a “young” country, which does not always have a way to integrate immigrants who arrive at an older age. Yad Lakashish offers immigrants from Russia, Ethiopia and South Africa an opportunity to participate in Israeli society in a meaningful way. In return, the organization provides them with many social and economic benefits such as a bus pass, a stipend and a daily hot meal and morning snack.
In addition, the organization encourages intergenerational connections. For example, local schools and yeshivot send their old books to the Yad Lakashish book bindery where they are repaired to look like new. It is important for child in Israel to have this experience not only because of the intergenerational benefits. It also reinforces a positive reflection of immigration.
Touring this organization was a wonderful addition to our trip, not only for their admirable mission but for the quality of the Judaica and crafts produced there. Everyone who worked there was so friendly and greeted us warmly. In the gift shop, I bought beautiful home blessings and items for my sister’s baby and I was able to get more than I could have afforded otherwise because they were having a buy one, get one free sale in their store! I am grateful to support such an amazing cause. The best part was knowing that the items were made by Jews who understand and care about their meaning, not by a factory worker in China who may not actually think about how the item will be used and valued.
Our tour guide charged us with being ambassadors for Yad Lakashish, hoping we would share their amazing work with others in order to continue the operation of the workshops. Not only can you visit them on your next trip to Israel, you can go online and order lovely gifts from their website. If you are in the market for handcrafted Judaica, please consider spending your money on a great cause!
