Areivim: Bringing Hope and Dignity to Those Who Need It Most

Rabbi Mendel Lipskier of Sherman Oaks, California, refers to Areivim as “a positive force.”

It all began when dedicated community members gathered to address the sudden loss of a husband and father. His family was left in a dire financial situation, and the new widow despaired. How would she manage to collect enough money to marry off her seven children? Although her beloved community organized a public funding campaign, she was hesitant to post the pictures of her family which would compel people to donate. Additionally, her children craved privacy and they did not want to air their family’s details with the public. This tragic scenario was all too familiar. Areivim formed in order to offer a glimmer of hope and dignity to families who have suffered the loss of a mother or father.

AREIVIM’S NOBLE MISSION

In 2009, Areivim embarked on a mission to provide support to widows and orphans in a dignified manner. The founders, a group of 15,000 community members, pledged that in the unfortunate event of an adult member’s passing, they would collectively contribute a small amount for each child in the family, ensuring that every orphan received $100,000 in financial assistance. This amount has since been raised to $150,000.

MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE

Years later, the impact of Areivim is palpable in the stories of families discreetly receiving substantial assistance. “There are so many campaigns we see, rachama l’tzlan,” says Rabbi Lipskier, “but understandably, sometimes campaigns cause embarrassment to people. Areivim covers all the extras and allows family life, including simchas, chinuch, and camp, to go on. Rather than feeling like a burden to the community, this becomes a zchus because it is done in such an honorable way. It’s a no brainer.”

In a letter signed by Rabbi Avrohom Osdaba and Rabbi Yosef Braun, the Crown Heights Beis Din released a letter of support for Areivim, stating that “We are aware of the Areivim progam that supports orphans and widows in an honorable way. Yasher Koach to the organizers and all those that participate.”

TRANSPARENT AND MANAGED FUNDS

Areivim commits to ensuring that every child receives financial support for their upbringing and future, including the ability to get married.

A transparent approach is crucial, and each individual fund is overseen by a rabbi, a family member, and an Areivim representative, ensuring that each $150,000 fund is responsibly managed. Rabbi Mendel Lipskier, Rabbi Levi Garelik, and Rabbi Chaim Fogelman oversee the most recent funds for the Lubavitch families.

“Sometimes people pass away and there is no money for the children,” says Elozor Raichik of Crown Heights. “Look at Areivim as if it were a tzedakah organization. There is no monthly fee, yearly fee, or registration fee. Each member of Areivim gives a one time fee of $10.50 for each of the yosomim, and a fund is immediately set up. Each child and the spouse receives a total of $150,000 over the course of the years. Rabbanim have paskined that dues to Areivim may be paid with maaser, as well.

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION CAP

A crucial clause in the Areivim guidelines is that no member will ever pay more than $42 per month. This means that if there was a loss in a family with more than four children c”v, members are charged $42 for one month, and the remaining orphans support are contributed in the following month.

THE “WAR CLAUSE” AND THE CHALLENGE OF COVID-19

Areivim’s “war clause” acknowledges that in certain situations, there may be an influx of orphans due to a catastrophic event such as

a war, pandemic, or natural disaster. In these cases, resources could be strained. The war clause allows members to either reduce payouts or temporarily halt collections, with the decision

A RESILIENT AND GROWING COMMUNITY

Remarkably, Areivim emerged from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than ever. Its membership expanded from 15,000 to 22,000 families, and the contribution of each member was reduced. Every dollar contributed directly benefits the children, with no administrative overhead. Areivim’s model ensures that beneficiaries do not feel like charity cases, but rather like rightful recipients of support.

BEYOND LIFE INSURANCE

“Don’t look at Areivim as ‘life insurance,’” says Elozor Raichik, “view it as tzedakah. By joining, you give a one-time contribution of $10.50 to a yosom.” Elozor points out that many people in the community lack sufficient coverage, with some insuring only the husband. He also emphasizes that all too often, life insurance coverage is not adequate.

Kollel yungerman often struggle to afford comprehensive policies, and adding new policies later in life is very expensive. Some families simply cannot afford it. Areivim’s coverage amount scales up as you have more children, and scales down as they are married off. No additional medical check-ups are required as the family grows. Areivim also covers both parents under one policy, and carefully manages payouts to ensure funds are preserved for each child.

A CORNERSTONE OF TZEDAKAH

“We don’t always see Hashem’s ways,” says Rabbi Lipskier. “But I know a few families that have benefitted from Areivim here, in Los Angeles. I was able to be part of a group that took care of every major expense of the children until each was old enough to take control of their own life.” Since its inception, Areivim has distributed $60 million in financial assistance, proving that unity and compassion can overcome any challenge.

Areivim’s care and support for all yidden truly shines, as they offer hope and dignity to those who need it most. “It’s a great support for almanos and yesomim. It’s also a very high level of tzedakah,” Rabbi Lipskier says. “Many members do not even take benefits.They join just to be charged and to help yidden.” Families left in financial distress during their most challenging times are supported with the utmost respect.

In recent years, many Askonim in Crown Heights have penned and signed letters encouraging the community to join Areivim. To date, Areivim has supported Lubavitcher families with $6.5 million since its inception.

“Ashrei Chelkum v’goydel z’chusam of all those involved,” Lipskier adds. “The more people are together in this, the more brochos it brings. It’s a positive insurance policy. There should not be any tragedies.”

For more information and to register to Areivim free of charge visit AreivimUSA.com

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