Lakewood Hachnosas Orchim
When newcomers move into Lakewood, many feel lost unsure where to turn for schools, doctors, mechanics, stores, or essential services. They don’t yet know “the ropes.” That’s where neighbors and even complete strangers step in, guiding them with the information they need to settle in and feel at home. Online forums watsapp chats and community networks have become invaluable tools, helping families adjust smoothly to life in a new town.
Meshulachim from Eretz Yisrael have arrived here in the U.S., many of them coming soon after Sukkos, traveling across the country to seek help. Our brothers from abroad find themselves far from their families, carrying the heavy burden of parnassah on their minds. They rise at vasikin, spend the day knocking on doors, and often return late at night exhausted yet hopeful. It’s never easy to ask for assistance, and even harder to ask for money. But Lakewood responds with open hearts and warm hospitality true Hachnosas Orchim. Beyond giving tzedakah, the community provides food, shelter, and a “home away from home.”
A new organization has even emerged to help lower fundraising costs, providing drivers and credit card machines for those who need them. There are Batei Tavshil, and generous families who open their basements and attics to accommodate guests staying in town.
When someone makes a simcha, such as a Shabbos Sheva Brachos, and needs lodging for 20 or 30 families it’s no problem. In many neighborhoods, there’s an organized system where neighbors host guests, even complete strangers, all in the spirit of unity and kindness.
And it’s not only guests from afar. A yeshiva bachur waiting on a cold, rainy night for a ride to or from yeshiva is welcomed into a warm car by a caring driver another quiet act of chesed that embodies the Lakewood spirit.
All of this the giving, the caring, the hospitality follows in the footsteps of Avraham Avinu, whose tent was open on all sides, welcoming every traveler with warmth and dignity.
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ReplyDeleteA bochurim should get up on time and use transportation provided by his Yeshiva and not put others in danger by stopping at crazy places to pick them up
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, how about yungerleit in BMG who only have one car and need a ride home from second Seder?
DeleteCan you really not think of any valid reasons why someone would need a lift?
No prob but make a designs safe spot for it. Not random in the middle of any street
ReplyDeleteI agree. Anybody that stops in the middle of the roadway, or at the corner of an intersection, and disrupts the flow of traffic - or worse by creating a dangerous situation for other drivers - is an idiot and should have his driver license revoked.
DeleteIf it’s not a total aveirah, then at the very best it’s a mitzvah haba be’aveirah!