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Click the image to read the newsletter as a flip book.

Or, click to download a printable PDF of the Matan B’Sayser Newsletter.

Click the image to read the newsletter as a flip book.

Or, click to download a printable PDF of the Matan B’Sayser Newsletter.

From matzav.com:

When Rav Elya Meir Bloch zt”l and Rav Mottel Katz zt”lopened Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland in 1941, they sent messages and invitations to several of the best Telshe talmidim in the United States at the time to help reestablish the yeshiva. Rav Shlomo was thus a member of the first minyan in the American Telshe.

Read full article at  matzav.com/rav-shlomo-davis-ztl/.

United Hatzalah has created the world’s first-responder PsychoTrauma and Crisis Response Unit.  This unit, comprised of mental health professionals, many of whom are also EMTs, are deployed to provide psychological first-aid to those with “emotional wounds.”  When word came of the epic flood that would wreak havoc on Houston and SE Texas, United Hatzalah sprang into action and immediately sent 5 of their team members, including the founder of the division, Miriam Ballin, who is a Houston native.

Houston’s mayor let United Hatzalah know that they had sufficient search and rescue assistance, but the talents of the PsychoTrauma unit would be of great help in Houston and the surrounding areas.  Miriam and her team flew into Dallas, met up with one of our board members, and loaded two SUV’s with water and a multitude of necessities…and goodies for the young children they were to meet.  They visited sick children at the Dallas Children’s Hospital and gave comfort to those who had been moved there from Houston.  Once in Houston they began their work in conjunction with the Federation’s logistics team.

Cari Margulis Immerman, Regional Director for United Hatzalah, whose region includes Texas, noted “this is a most unique team and they are providing vital services, services not available from any others, to those whose lives have been rocked by this epic flood.  They are working with all in the community, including attending to other first responders – FEMA workers, National Guard members and others who are away from their homes, exhausted from their work, and mentally challenged by all they’ve seen.  And, this week, with waters receded, they will be focusing much attention on  the hard hit Jewish communities.”  As Miriam Ballin said, “you think you understand the level of devastation and then I come to my old neighborhood and every home is filled with 3-4 feet of water.  Our true work begins now as everyone shifts from survival model to coping with the realities of what they’ve lost and what’s in store to get back to everyday life.”

You can help too! Click below to learn about options on how to donate to the mission. 100% of all donations will support the important work of the United Hatzalah mission to help the people of Houston.

Donate now to help the people of Houston

Ms. Immerman also noted that on September 16th, she and Eli Beer, United Hatzalah’s founder and leader, will be speaking at Green Road Synagogue.  For more information on United Hatzalah, the PsychoTrauma Unit, and the upcoming visit to Cleveland by Eli Beer, call 216 544 3010 or Cari@israelrescue.org

Yesh Tikvah is expanding its reach with two new programs designed to help more people pay for mental health services.

The first, made possible by a grant from the Community Fund Management Foundation (CFMF), offers free subsidies to help 17 adults and teenagers of the Jewish community meet the cost of outpatient psychiatric care. According to Yesh Tikvah Board Member Mrs. Chavi (Jessica) Cohen, “We’ve had many requests to cover psychiatric care, but until now we were limited to funding therapeutic interventions. Now, with a generous grant from the Community Fund Management Foundation, we are launching a pilot program to help individuals in the community see a psychiatrist or purchase psychotropic medication.”

CFMF Executive Director Amanda Buzo commented, “That the organization is pleased to award Yesh Tikvah a grant to expand its services to include psychiatric care for clients. CFMF’s purpose, both through its Endowment Program and special needs trust administration services, is to improve the quality of life of Ohio residents with disabilities and we are proud to support nonprofits with similar missions like Yesh Tikvah.”

In a separate move, Yesh Tikvah’s board of directors recently voted to expand the organization’s service area, making limited funds available to Jews residing anywhere in Cuyahoga County. Until now distribution was limited to specific communities.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health only about half of the adults in the U.S. with a serious mental illness receive treatment. Cost is one significant barrier to care. Rabbi Joseph noted that when Yesh Tikvah started, “We served only adults, just this year; we were able to expand service to children and teens. The need is great and we’re growing to meet the demand.”

While Yesh Tikvah’s professional intake committee considers each case on an individual basis, applicants must demonstrate financial need. Yesh Tikvah is strictly a source of supplementary funding for situations where insurance does not fully cover the cost of care. The organization does not make referrals.

Individuals can learn more about the application process at www.ytforhope.org or call 216 403 2726. All applications are held in strict confidence.