As Yom Kippur approaches, the anticipation of this day brings with it a focus on spirituality, reflection, and brachos. For many, one of the most coveted kibudim in synagogues worldwide is the Maftir Yonah aliyah, traditionally auctioned to raise essential funds for synagogues. However, a new online platform, Kibid.org, opens up access to these kibudim at remarkably affordable prices, allowing participants to bid on Maftir Yonah for as little as $100.
Developed under the DollarDaily.org initiative, Kibid is revolutionizing how synagogues, particularly Chabad centers, fundraise during the High Holidays. By taking these auctions online, Kibid enables a global audience to participate in bidding for kibudim that have long been viewed as gateways to significant spiritual brachos.
Maftir Yonah
The Maftir Yonah aliyah, read at Mincha on Yom Kippur, has long been associated with the biblical story of Yonah and teshuvah. Beyond its connection to the themes of forgiveness, Maftir Yonah has become known as a powerful segulah for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
Rabbi Gavriel Zinner, in his Nitei Gavriel on Yom Kippur (62:16), writes about the unique significance of Maftir Yonah. He explains that the person called up to the Torah for shlishi (the third aliyah Mincah) receives Maftir Yonah, representing the power of teshuva. This kibud has long been regarded as highly desirable, as it is known to be a segulah for both wealth and good fortune.
The footnotes in Nitei Gavriel add further insights from the teachings of previous Rebbes. In Melech Bimsibo, it is written that the Admor MaHaRayitz stated that Maftir Yonah not only strengthens teshuva but also serves as a segulah for wealth. Additionally, it is mentioned that Rabbi Shmuel Gronem Esterman z”l asked the Lubavitcher Rebbe why so many people strive to receive Maftir Yonah. The Rebbe responded, “Because there are many hidden seagulas in it.”
Storied Significance
At Chabad of Forest Hills North, Rabbi Menachem M. Hecht shares that the brachos attached to Maftir Yonah have transformed the lives of those who won the kibud in the past decade. “In just the last ten years, people who secured Maftir Yonah have seen extraordinary outcomes—from landing dream jobs to business success, and even long-awaited engagements,” Rabbi Hecht said.
Among the stories shared by the congregation is one of a man who, after seven years of searching for a spouse, got engaged within weeks of securing Maftir Yonah. Another winner saw their business grow exponentially, while others reported incredible shifts in their professional and personal lives. “It’s become clear that Maftir Yonah carries more than just the responsibility of reading; it carries immense brachos,” Rabbi Hecht noted.
Opening Honors to a Global Audience
What sets Kibid apart from traditional synagogue auctions is its accessibility. In many communities, kibudim like Maftir Yonah are often auctioned off for thousands of dollars. In larger synagogues, prices can soar to $5,400 or more. Kibid offers a different approach, starting bids as low as $50 or $200, making it possible for a wider audience to participate and benefit from these spiritual opportunities.
The inspiration behind Kibid.org comes from its founder, Yosef Shidler, who personally experienced the brachos associated with these kibudim. “Years ago, I won Chosson Torah through a Chabad House, and I made payments slowly, month by month,” Shidler shared. “Within just days of paying it off, I met my wife. That’s when I knew there was something special about these kibudim. They carry real, tangible brachos, and I wanted to find a way to make these honors more accessible to people, no matter where they are.”
“Last year, before Kibid was officially launched, I connected people informally looking to buy Chosson Torah. A single girl heard about it and decided to purchase Chosson Torah from one of the people offering to sell, Rabbi Lipsker, at a Chabad center in Orlando, on campus. She paid it off gradually until around Pesach, and two weeks later, she met her husband. A year later, she’s happily married, and 100% believes there’s a connection. This year, she’s telling all her friends to buy into Kibudim,” Shidler said with a smile.
“Kibid is a game-changer; it allows people from anywhere in the world to take part in these auctions, regardless of their location or financial standing. It’s a way to democratize access to these famous kibudim while still supporting the vital work of Chabad centers around the globe.”
Participants can bid on a wide range of kibudim—from Maftir Yonah to Chosson Torah to P’sicha of Neilah. Winning bids go directly to the synagogue to fund essential services such as holiday meals, community programming, and general operating expenses.
Rabbi Lew of Chabad Peachtree, Georgia, shared his experience from last year: “Yosef arranged the connection between Chosson Torah and Braishis aliyos for my shul. Thanks to him, I had two sponsors, but I still needed to call two men to receive the aliyahs physically, as the people who bought them were not physically present but entitled to the brochos. I decided to honor two individuals—one who had been struggling with parnassah for years and another in his 50s who had never married.”
“The first man landed his dream job around Pesach, but it all began within a month of Simchas Torah. As for the second man, a kohen, he’s been busier than ever, and we’re still waiting on the final good news.”
Keeping the Lights On
For many Chabad centers, particularly those in smaller or underfunded communities, the funds raised from kibudim auctions are critical to their operations. “The money raised through Kibid isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential for covering holiday services, meals, and programs that the community relies on year-round,” Shidler explained. “In some cases, these funds are what keep the lights on.”
The platform also allows bidders to participate in the auction regardless of their physical location. “You don’t need to be present in the synagogue to receive the brachos of Maftir Yonah,” said Shidler. “You can bid from anywhere in the world, secure the kibud, and still receive the full spiritual merit.”
“Kibid even allows participants to gift kibudim to others,” explained Yosef Shidler. “Last year, a mother from Baltimore bought Chosson Torah from a rabbi in New Jersey. Her daughter wasn’t physically present or involved, but within two months, the daughter was engaged. This shows that the brachos extend beyond the person who receives the aliyah—the one who buys it secures the blessing.”
“Think back to the story of Yaakov and Eisav—they weren’t simply trading a bowl of soup; they were bargaining for brachos,” Shidler added. “With Kibid, you’re continuing this centuries-old tradition of securing branches through meaningful kibbutzim. And trust me, these aliyahs come fully loaded with blessings—no extras required.”
A New Opportunity to Take Part in Tradition
Now, during the Holidays, Kibid presents a unique opportunity to connect with the power of brachos in a way that’s both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. By moving the kibud auction online, Kibid opens the door for people from all backgrounds to be part of something meaningful while supporting Chabad centers that rely on these crucial funds.
“I’ve seen firsthand the brachos that come from these kibudim,” says Shidler. “Kibid allows more people to experience that while ensuring that Chabad centers can continue their vital work, especially during the holiday season.”
Whether you’re bidding for yourself or for someone else, Kibid is a chance to step into a tradition of blessings—one that stretches far beyond the physical aliyah. www.Kibid.org.
