News

The courses in basic computer use and programming are already in progress. Dozens of women are in the process of receiving an opportunity to earn a respectable income because they are learning how to use a computer.

The basic computer course opens many more opportunities to them, because a person who is not computer literate will not even be able to find a job as a checkout clerk.

A second round of courses for professional photography is set to begin shortly. Upon conclusion, graduates will receive a certificate, as well as assistance in purchasing professional photography equipment so that they can start to work. The course is being held in conjunction with Jerusalem Fund.

The Jerusalem Fund is also a partner in the computerized interior design course, a new course that is being offered for the first time at Kisharon. It will be a longer course than we usually offer, and will last for a year. Graduates will receive a diploma proving their certification and enhancing their ability to find jobs.

All the courses are intended for women who are supported by welfare services and single mothers who want to break out of the cycle of poverty and thereby support their families. The courses are almost completely subsidized.

For more details and registration, call Chasdei Yosef at 02-5822792.

At each Simchos Beis Hashoeivah held on Succos, Chasdei Yosef distributed a blanket to each person for the upcoming winter.

Two types were given to each person – one, a soft, velour blanket, and the other, a high-quality synthetic quilt. These blankets will help the many ill and elderly people that we assist get through the cold Jerusalem winter nights in comfort.

The Succos holiday events were celebrated in a joyous Yom Tov spirit in Chasdei Yosef's tremendous succah, located on Adoniyahu Hakohen Street, near the Soup Kitchen.

Devoted volunteers decorated the succah in a traditional fashion. Four hundred people comfortably enjoyed the chag and Chol HaMoed meals. A festive atmosphere prevailed and guests spent many enjoyable hours in pleasant company with each other. It was hard for them to leave and return to their empty homes. During Chol HaMoed two Simchos Beis Hashoeivah were held in the succah, accompanied by live music that generated genuine happiness.

On Tuesday of Chol HaMoed, diners in our succah were taken by surprise when the skies suddenly opened between the first and main courses.

It began with a light rain, but in just a few minutes it turned into a deluge, drenching everyone in the succah. One hundred and fifty people were eating at the time. As soon as the rain began, shouts of laughter and a bit of panic could be heard as the diners and staff quickly searched for plastic bags to give out to the diners to be able to cover themselves. Although everyone managed to find some shelter from the downpour, the plates of food and dishes of salad did not…

After about half an hour, the skies cleared and everyone returned to the succah to continue their meal. You are invited to view the video clip that captured those humorous moments in the rainy succah.

On Erev Rosh Hashanah a festive meal was served at the Chasdei Yosef Soup Kitchen to infuse the guests with a feeling of renewal and excitement in honor of the new year.

All visitors received a pomegranate and honey cake in honor of the holiday, as well as warm, effusive wishes for a good year by the staff that serves them thorough the year.

Last Monday, 15 women graduated from the professional photography course at Kisharon.

Aside from the expert knowledge and practical experience they gained through the course, each graduate received the tools of the trade - a top notch digital camera, to enable them to start off their career without the added pressure of first financing a camera. The cameras were subsidized by Chasdei Yosef and the Jerusalem Foundation.

For a week proceeding and following the graduation ceremony, the graduate's picture portfolios were on display at Kisharon.

Diplomas were awarded at a moving ceremony attended by the graduates and their families, senior staff of Chasdei Yosef, and members of the Jerusalem Foundation, the Ministry of Welfare, and Machshava Tova.

We look forward to seeing all of these women gainfully employed and succeessfully bringing home income to their families.

As every year, thousands of families from all over the country received support from Chasdei Yosef before Pesach.

As part of the 5769/2009 Kimcha DePischa campaign, gift certificates were distributed to families, who used them to purchase their needs in a respectful manner. This method also enables them to choose what they like and need. No one besides the recipient had any way of knowing that the certificates were purchased with charity money. Once again, Chasdei Yosef was able to help tens of thousands of Jews celebrate Pesach with a feeling of abundance and comfort.

Chasdei Yosef distributed generous food baskets and shopping vouchers to Jerusalem's neediest families, performing the mitvah of matonos levyonim in the best possible manner - "bo bayom", on the day of Purim itself.

Poverty can strip a lot of the joy out of life. But at Chasdei Yosef we tackle not only poverty, but also the emotional price it extracts from its victims.

Purim was the most joyous of times at our soup kitchen. There was a live band, a fabulous four-course meal, singing and dancing. Each diner received mishloach manos, a generous food package which nourished the body as it uplifted the spirit.

Tu B'Shvat was enjoyed in fine form our soup kitchen.

Not only was a special meal served, but each diner received a luscious package of dried fruit. They enjoyed both the food and the message - there's always hope even when things look bleak.