Local Jewish News

Printable Version of the Letter Below

Dear community members of Cleveland,

Cleveland has a well-deserved reputation as a community dedicated to chesed and tzedaka. Many of our fellow Jews and institutions come to our community for help with various financial needs. We should be proud to be able to assist in this manner.

Under the guidance of the Vaad HaRabbanim, the Agudath Israel of Cleveland, recently established a Vaad Hatzedakos to assist the community and the fundraisers. The goal of the Vaad Hatzedakos is to give community members a high degree of confidence and comfort regarding the fundraisers who come to their doors and in turn provide greater support to those in need.

The Vaad Hatzedakos will follow the model used in multiple cities across North America. This model leverages an existing database developed in Lakewood, New Jersey. The fundraisers are researched via database administrator’s network of 300+ contacts across Israel. The information collected is then uploaded to the database.

Every fundraiser will be encouraged to apply to the Vaad Hatzedakos for a certificate. The director of the Vaad Hatzedakos, Rabbi Zev Meisels, will conduct the necessary background research, and provide a laminated, signed and sealed certificate with a photo ID if approved.

For this to succeed, we hope that the community will encourage fundraisers to present their certificate and then open your heart by giving generously.

The first certificates have already been distributed. Please be patient with fundraisers as not all fundraisers are aware of the new process in Cleveland.

Rabbi Meisels can be reached by email, phone, or fax.
• Email: letters@agudathisrael-oh.org
• Phone: 216-905-3835
• Fax: 216-455-1090

Thank you for your continued support.

Agudath Israel of Cleveland