The background
From aliyah to a devastating diagnosis
The Litman family joined the Jewish people together many years ago. Their children later came to Eretz Yisrael to study in yeshiva and seminary, eventually marrying and establishing families of their own.
In November 2023, Reb Aryeh and his wife left Mexico City and made aliyah to be near their children and grandchildren. Approximately three weeks later, Reb Aryeh was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Some of the expensive treatments were not covered by the Israeli healthcare system. Because Reb Aryeh and his wife spoke neither Hebrew nor English, their daughter and son-in-law assumed responsibility for the medical arrangements and the many practical matters surrounding them. This required them to stop working and attending kollel regularly.
Despite the efforts made on his behalf, Reb Aryeh passed away on 8 Av. Only two days after the shivah, his almanah was herself diagnosed with cancer.
The present need
Two households carrying one prolonged crisis
Reb Aryeh’s illness had already left the family with substantial debts. His wife’s sudden diagnosis added continuing medical, household and living expenses before the family had any opportunity to recover.
The daughter and son-in-law spent their own savings and directed every available resource toward caring for both parents. They have continued supporting the almanah until today. During the past year, however, the money raised has not been sufficient to meet the continuing expenses.
As a result, both the almanah and the daughter and son-in-law have fallen behind on their rent. The children are now trying to support two households while carrying debts created through their mesirus nefesh in caring for their parents.
Financial information
What the campaign is intended to address
- overdue rent for the almanah’s home
- overdue rent for the daughter and son-in-law’s home
- debts accumulated through Reb Aryeh’s treatments and related expenses
- obligations incurred while the children suspended work and kollel to provide care
- the continuing needs of the almanah’s household
- treatment-related and other essential expenses
- enabling the children to continue supporting their mother without placing their own household in still greater danger
The latest figures appear on the official Chesed Fund page because medical, rental and household circumstances continue to change.
Campaign administration
Congregation Beis Yehoshua
Congregation Beis Yehoshua, a Brooklyn-based mosad, is administering the Chesed Fund campaign together with the family. Contributions made through the official campaign links are US tax deductible.
Help by sharing
A message you can pass on
A family in Yerushalayim urgently needs our help. Reb Aryeh and his wife made aliyah from Mexico to live near their children. Within weeks, Reb Aryeh was diagnosed with an aggressive illness. The treatments and care he required left substantial debts. He ultimately passed away on 8 Av; only two days after the shivah, his almanah was herself diagnosed.
Their daughter and son-in-law used their own savings and continued directing everything available toward the care of both parents. The funds raised during the past year have not covered the continuing medical and living expenses, and both households are now behind on rent.
If you are able to help—or to share the campaign with somebody who may be able to participate—it would mean a great deal.