Take a Child to Shul on Simchas Torah

As we approach the child-centered holiday of Simchas Torah, we would like to once again remind you to please, please, look around your neighborhood and community and see if you can help see to it that ALL of our children - including or perhaps especially those being raised by single parents - experience true simchas Yom Tov in the welcoming embrace of our communities

Many of our decent, caring readers may find it incredulous that people in our vibrant, busy communities are struggling with this dilemma. Nonetheless, this is a very real challenge for many of the brave single parents in our Kehillos - especially those who are raising their children in the bustling setting that is big-city life.

In fact, we at Project Y.E.S. are approached by single mothers who request help in making arrangements for someone to take their son(s) to shul, and more than a few mothers have asked us for advice regarding the appropriate response to their sons who categorically refuse to go to shul alone.

There is much you can do to help single parents and their children:

• Invite a single parent and his/her children for a Shabbos/Yom Tov meal or two.
• Offer to take the boys (and perhaps girls) to shul, and have them sit next to you.
• Before or during Yom Tov, please consider offering childcare for a single parent so that she/he can unwind, go for a walk, or just have some precious quiet time. With school out, single parents are on call literally 24/7.

In these troubling times, we ought to strive to fulfill the timeless charge of Yeshayahu (1:17) to take up the cause of those who are in need of our assistance.

In the ze'chus of our efforts to support Hashem's children, may He comfort us with the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash - where we can participate in our Yomim Tovim b'simcha u'vtuv levav (with joyous hearts).

Best wishes for Simchas Yom Tov.

Yakov Horowitz

We've been making this appeal for several years and would love to hear feedback from you. If you've done this in the past and have advice for others, or would like to share your experience, please let us know. Post your comments below or email@kosherjewishparenting.com