Yad Batya L’KallahTHE SILVER LININGGRATITUDE IS FOREVERA PERSONAL YBL’K STORY

1256 East 26th StreetBrooklyn, NY 11210718.377.4349yblk @aol.comwww.yadbatya.org

Established In memory ofBatya Rachel (Zakheim)

Brecher A”H

Twenty years ago, I dreamt of marrying a benTorah. When Hashem fulfilled that wish, Icould hardly contain my joy. Unfortunately,

my happiness was soon marred by financialworries. My husband and I hadn’t a penny toproperly start our new life together and neither hisnor my parents were able to help us out.Nonetheless, I had faith – if Hashem blessed mewith my Torah scholar, He would not disappoint.

I was right. A friend called to tell me about YBL’Kand the incredible work theydo providing for kallahs inneed. When it came to thisgratefully relieved kallah,they certainly “delivered!”YBL’K opened their hearts sowide, I truly felt like a queen.

They gave me all thethings that a kallah needs tobuild a new home – elegantchina, fine linen andbeddings, a few basic kitchen appliances, and somuch more. After so many years, I still have (andcherish) the dishes and linen.

YBL’K continues to amaze me; this year toppedall expectations. This year, as with every year, Iwanted so much to go to the YBL’K auction, butsince I work as a babysitter every day it wasdifficult to arrange. And even if I could go, I had noride. I told my husband we should just send adonation. He was adamant about my attending.You have to go, he insisted. We have to show ourhakaras hatov. I said, if I take the bus, it’s such along ride and maybe I shouldn’t leave the kids. Inthe end, he succeeded in convincing me to go.

Although we’ve sent in donations every year ofour marriage, we never won any of the prizes. But,

I didn’t care; anyone fortunate enough to beconnected with YBL’K is already a winner. It was abeautiful night. As soon as the Zakheims saw methey showered me with appreciation that I madethe effort to come all the way from Monsey. I knewI was the one who had a greater reason to feelthankful, thinking of all they did and continue todo for me.

Mrs. Venezia Zakheim’s daughter, Ayala Berney,spoke beautifully. The atmosphere throughout the

ballroom was so joyous and the foodespecially delicious. I joined thehundreds of enthusiastic YBL’Ksupporters as they greeted eachother and slipped their tickets in theboxes of their preferred prizes. Itcame time for me to leave and Iboarded the bus for the trip backhome.

Twenty minutes into the ride, Iheard the cell phone chime. It was

someone from YBL’K. She asked me if I was sittingdown. Then she told me I had won the $1,800silver package from Grand Sterling. I insisted itmust be a mistake. It wasn’t. I couldn’t contain myexcitement and let out a squeal of disbelief, quicklyexcusing myself as the startled passengers turnedin my direction. I called my husband and kids, whowere audibly thrilled. We couldn’t get over thehashgacha clearly at work. We had sadly lost ourKiddush becher a number of months back andcouldn’t afford to replace it.

There was one glitch in this wonderful story; thesilver store preferred that the winner of the$1,800 prize buy only one item, but wewanted so much to have elegant silver See back

cover forWinners List

CONT. ON BACK PAGE

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF

STERLING CHESSED

Issue 25 | Tishrei 5773 | Fall 2012 | vcuy vnh,ju vch,f

SILVER THREADSLETTERS FROM RECIPIENTSDear Yad Batya L’Kallah,

Being a Kallah should be a happy time.However, for those who cannot afford the basicexpenses, it can be a time of worry and highanxiety. ank you for the generous chessed you do for Kallahs and for alleviating theirworries and ensuring that their needs are met. In this zechus, we should all be zocheh toMoshiach Tzidkaynu b’mhayra b’yamaynu.

Dear YBL’K, For the past dozen plus

years I have given donationsto YBL’K. I just receivedyour newsletter and wastouched by it. I’ve decidedthat I would like to offer myhelp. If you need someone tohelp deliver packages, I havea SUV and am not afraid ofhard work. I also don't mindstuffing envelopes. If youneed help, call me anytime.(The writer of this letter is now an invaluablepart of our administrative staff.)

Dear Friend,As I look around my apartment and see the

towels, linens, pots, toaster oven, mattresses,etc. that you provided me four years ago, I reflect: how can I not give back? B”H nowthat I am working and my husband is inKollel, I would like to give some ma'aser moneyto help you continue in your amazing work!

Dear YBL’K, We wanted to express our heartfelt thanks to

you and to the entire Yad Batya organizationfor the outstanding support you give to Kallahsin our community. e evening we met yourrepresentatives (to pick up all the householditems) gave us a glimpse of the magnitude of your services. Personally, my husband and I were involved in Chinuch for the past 25 years in several different communities. We finally came back

to our home town in order to be reunited withour aging parents. Finding gainfulemployment has been challenging for us. Youprovided our own young newlyweds with thematerials that we would have wanted to givethem, had we had the resources to do so.On behalf of the YBL’K Chossonim, Kallahsand their families in our town, I want tothank you from the bottom of our hearts.

May Hashem grant you the strength and good health to continue your vital mitzvah work.Gratefully, Parents of the Kallah

Dear YBL’K, We are so proud of this

organization! I was just tellingmy children how Yad BatyaL'Kallah came into being. Iremember when Batya ZakheimBrecher was ,rypb - almost

25 years ago when I was in the 8th grade. What a tremendous ,ufz to have this organization withall the tremendous sxj that it does, named for her.May you continue to be a source of help to themany kallahs in need!

To whom it may concern at YBL’K This is a small token of our appreciation for all

that you do on behalf of Baltimore's ,ukf. We areindebted to this wonderful organization that helpsso many people. As recipients of your sxj, wewould like to give to you so you can continue in you asuev ,sucg.Thank you,A parent

Dear YBL’K, What a wonderful organization you have.

I have been the recipient of your sxj severaltimes and hope to benefit soon again. Thisdonation is being given as a zechus for mydaughter for a shidduch.Much vjkmv

Established In memory ofBatya Rachel (Zakheim)

Brecher A”H

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF

STERLING CHESSED

YBL’K’S BENEFIT AUCTIONSPREADING BATYA’S JOYAnother huge success, this past year’s 24th Annual YBL’K Benefit

Auction drew hundreds of enthusiastic devotees eager to participatein an evening of achdus and chessed. They were not disappointed.Delighted attendees entered the elegant hall to the rousing music ofMeir Sherman, and were treated to a visual, as well as palatable, feast,including a chef-manned sushi bar, a meat and pasta station, lusciousfruit assortment, French pastries, fresh-brewed coffees, exotic teas andmore. The YBL’K enthusiasts eagerly placed their tickets for prizes in the appropriate boxes and connected in warm camaraderie with old and new friends.Ayala Berney opened the evening’s program with moving words about

YBL’K, created in her sister’s memory, an endeavor that has broughtuntold happiness to thousands of needy Kallahs as they start theirmarried lives and embrace the privilege to build batim ne'emanimb’Yisroel. She then introduced the night’s special Guest of Honor, Dr. Hindie M. Klein, PsyD, Director of Tikvah at OHEL, OHEL Children'sHome and Family Services.“I have chosen to accept this award because I believe passionately in

Yad Batya’s admirable and preciousmission, and because it is a lovingtribute to Batya A”H, who I knewpersonally” Dr. Klein told theaudience. “The organizationremains a tribute to one of Batya’sgreat missions in life—bringing good cheer and delight to kallahs.”She underscored YBL’K’s vital work.“Yad Batya L’Kallah works tirelessly to provide beautiful household

items for brides who are in financial need. The packages are like a dowryof riches—only the best and the finest. More impressive and meritoriousis the way it is given, with dignity and respect,” she said. “Over the years,the Yad Batya L’Kallah Benefit Auction has come to represent chessed atits finest. Once a year, women gather together to laugh, give generouslyand enjoy a lively and wonderful evening. It is an evening of eleganceand happiness—just as Batya would have liked.”Thanks to YBL’K’s loyal supporters, Batya’s boundless love for

enhancing a Kallah’s joy continues to go from strength to strength.

Are available for use at your Shabbos simchawith a donation to Yad Batya L’Kallah

Brooklyn: Mrs. Malky Stern718.258.7060

Five Towns: Mrs. Elefant 516.692.0003,516.371.0106 (eve.)

SIDURIM &CHUMASHIMSEPHARADI& ASHKENAZI

Catch a glimpse at what makes YBL’K sounique. It’s not a corporation with a swankyoffice and state-of-the-art equipment; it’s noteven a small home business. This million dollaroperation, headed by a volunteer CEO, runspurely on wholehearted effort and anabundance of siyata d’Shamya. YBL’K’s staff of a handful of dedicated women,who already have full time high caliber jobs,sit down after a long arduous workday toreview YBL’K applications, call rabbinicreferences, process approvals and arrange for deliveries. With 25 years of seasonedexperience in matan b'seser, YBL’K continuesits stalwart commitment to Jewishcommunities across the United States andJerusalem, Israel.Individuals who contact YBL’K are asked tocomplete a thorough application on behalf of the needy kallah. The YBL’K staff then

painstakingly contacts each reference in asensitive and discreet manner. Once an approvalis issued, a volunteer delivers a beautiful, chock-full package to a specified address, often presented to the overjoyed kallah as the contents of a bridal shower. Performing gemilus chassadim not onlygraciously, but proficiently, YBL’K processesapproximately 800 bridal packages per year andkeeps its warehouse fully stocked with pillows,quilts, linens, pots, silverware, Corelle, china andappliances. The warehouse, a private homegarage, saves YBL’K any rental expenses. YLB’K purchases all of its merchandise fromhigh-quality suppliers who offer the organizationthe full worth of their money. After two and a half decades, YBL’K continues to perfect this vital act of chessed withprofessionalism, dignity, and an open heart.Now we’re GOING FOR THE GOLD!

Dear Mrs. Zakheim,I hope you and your family are well.

Though many years have passed sincethe vrhyp of your beautiful daughterBatya, v”g, I still vividly recall the,urrug,v felt at her v’huk. There is advbn that one does not return from acemetery using the same path that hetook to get there. Someone once askedthe Ponovezher Rav zt"l why this is done.The Rav answered- How does one go toa cemetery and come back the same?!How can one not change his ways anddo vcua, when clearly seeing the futilityof life and one's eventuall end. This istrue with regard to the untimely vrhyp

of your daughter v”g. Out of the tragedywas borne a need to be involved in,uhjmb - and so, Yad Batya L'Kallah isv”c thriving and bringing much merit to Batya’s vnab.

Dear Yad Batya,We wanted to let you know how

appreciative we are for everything you didfor us. I really felt like a Kallah when Icame home and I found the delivery. Besidessaving us money, your chessed saved usmuch precious time shopping and choosing.You should be g’bentched and yourorganization should have a lot of siyatad’Shmaya. – Amen

ON A SILVER PLATTER

WinnersChinese Auction Winners 5772

Grand Prize M. OratzKosher Mountain Retreat Applegrad

Bloomingdale's, Saks, Lord&Taylor Roche MachlisB&D Travel Hillel Hirsch

Molly's Magnificence R' WeinbergerGrand Sterling Abraham Tovey

Furs By Kurt R. WasserChamoula Jewelers Rozenberg

Pomegranate Dina NadlerEscape To Paradise Elka Adler

Elegant Tablescape Aaron DrillickArtscroll E. Spintzer

Chaya's Pre-Cuts S. RosenfeldLiving Quarters Bruchy Tepler

The Yellow Door Chana Neshama LustigWardrobe Redefined Tami KolkoYesterdays' Treasures Frechter

Lights On Chanie KohnDrimmer's Direct Dina Nadler

J&R Music And Computer World Tina K.Tori Wigs Lea SternThe Buzz M. Wikler$2500 Cash Cagan

Duddy's Electronics Rochel MachlisYaffa's Wigs David RindnerCanon Chaya Sonnenschien

Jackpot Elka AdlerSensational Cut By Chaya Hudi Newman

Appliance Showroom Elka AdlerNight In Manhattan Mayerfeld$1000 Cash Fayge HalberstamBatya's Kitchen Dena Zagelbaum

Jetblue Tili GiberstienAmerican Girl Malky Taub

Target Or Century 21cookie KahanZara, Gap, Jcrew Gitty SilberTotally Toys Batsheva Stern

Wilhelm's Houseware Yehuda NewmanLenappe S. Hager

Oh Baby! Riva FishmanSpoons Rashel Zywica

OPEN YOUR HEARTS SPONSOR A KALLAH$240 Sponsor a Kallah in Eretz Yisroel

$250 Provides a Kallah with Bed and Bath Needs

$360 Provides a Kallah with Kitchen Needs

$600 Provides a Kallah with Household Needs

YBL’K HASHGACHA PRATIS MOMENTAn openhearted YB’LK fan won a certificate for a sheitel from another tzedakahorganization. Eager to share her good fortunewith a Kallah in need, she donated it to YBL’K.To her astonishment, just a few weeks later, her husband informed her that he won anothersheitel of the exact monetary value as the onethat she so generously donated to a Kallah.YBL’K proves that when we take special care of each other, everyone wins.

THE SILVER LININGCONT. FROM FRONT PAGE

pieces to make the Shabbos table beautiful.Venezia, who was tremendously happy forus, said she would speak to the storeowners and ask him to make an exceptionand allow us to purchase several objects.B”H, they agreed!

We had never dreamt of buying anythingsilver. We made a family trip out of it. We alllooked around the store for three hours. Likekids in a candy store, we couldn’t decidewhat to choose; we were so excited. Thestore owner was extraordinarily kind andpatient with us; I think our (obvious) delightwas contagious. We left with an absolutelyexquisite set for Shabbos. We got a regal-looking silver becher with a plate, two smallsilver Shabbos candle holders, a silver salt

dish, a silver challah knife, a challah coverwith stunning silver embroidery, a silverchallah board, a silver wine decanter, and a long silver lighter for the Shabbos candles.I can’t tell you how our hearts were burstingas we left with our treasures.

When we came home, in our excitement weset the table as if it was already Shabbos. I called Venezia to share how overjoyed the family was and to again express ourgratitude. I don’t have enough words toexpress what an extraordinary organizationthis is. YBL’K cares. They really care. I’m stilltheir kallah. They truly help with all theirhearts. What immeasurable zechuyos theirprecious Batya continues to have. YLB’K, I love you!

SMALL DONATIONSTO YBL’K COUNT BIGEvery single donation counts.Seemingly small amounts add up to exquisite gifts to grateful families. Just as each donation turns into bigbracha – so may it bring bracha tothose who give.

For more information please contact us:718.377.4349 | yblk@aol.com | www.yadbatya.org