ABOUT YAD YEHUDA
Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to serve as the Greater Washington Jewish community's safety net, while seeking to address a variety of community strengthening needs. Through a resource network of skilled volunteers, Yad Yehuda works to eradicate food and financial insecurity through programs like Emergency Financial Assistance, Capital Kosher pantry as well as other programs that address food insecurities. Yad Yehuda provides all its programs in an environment that strives to preserve the dignity of every Jewish community member.
In order to maximize the assistance we are able to offer those in need, Yad Yehuda works closely with individuals, families, and communal leaders. Since 2006, Yad Yehuda has fed, clothed, paid rent, utility bills and medical bills for needy individuals and families in a way that allows them to maintain dignity. Some of these families have fallen on hard times due to unemployment, personal and financial struggles, or illness. The goal of Yad Yehuda is to help these individuals and families get back on their feet by lending a helping hand.
In order to maximize the assistance we are able to offer those in need, Yad Yehuda works closely with individuals, families, and communal leaders. Since 2006, Yad Yehuda has fed, clothed, paid rent, utility bills and medical bills for needy individuals and families in a way that allows them to maintain dignity. Some of these families have fallen on hard times due to unemployment, personal and financial struggles, or illness. The goal of Yad Yehuda is to help these individuals and families get back on their feet by lending a helping hand.
OUR ORGANIZATION'S PHILOSOPHY
Nobody chooses a financial challenge and certainly having such a challenge does not translate to a person not being a responsible person nor does it mean that such a person does not work hard. Rather, for whatever reason, HaKodosh Baruch Hu sometimes presents these challenges and it is our privilege and our responsibility to do whatever we can to help.
Our goal;
Our goal;
- To treat each person with dignity and respect
- To treat all conversations as confidential
- To remain objective
- To provide excellent resources
- To be as thoughtful and helpful as possible
HOW IT BEGAN
The motivation for starting this organization was the unique personality of a boy named Yehuda Mond who in his short life of nineteen and one half years, influenced so many of his family and friends. The challenges Yehuda presented helped those around him learn about unconditional love, unending patience and the enormous strength that lies within each of us. If these qualities could be harnessed to help those less fortunate, those that society is quick to judge, then it could serve to bring out so much virtue in so many people. It would benefit those who receive as well as those who give, those who give of their money and those who give of their time. By facilitating this through the Yad Yehuda, we can thereby elevate the neshama of Yehuda and assist in the causes that were important to him in his life time.
Since the organization's inception, there has been an outpouring of community support through donations and the involvement of dedicated volunteers. It is through the combined efforts of so many that Yad Yehuda has been able to help so many and impact the community in such a positive way. Yehuda's family is grateful to all those who have helped make the Foundation's name synonymous with chesed, and it is our hope that, by specifically focusing on charitable activities that were important to Yehuda, his life will be honored with everlasting blessing.
Since the organization's inception, there has been an outpouring of community support through donations and the involvement of dedicated volunteers. It is through the combined efforts of so many that Yad Yehuda has been able to help so many and impact the community in such a positive way. Yehuda's family is grateful to all those who have helped make the Foundation's name synonymous with chesed, and it is our hope that, by specifically focusing on charitable activities that were important to Yehuda, his life will be honored with everlasting blessing.
REFLECTIONS FROM YEHUDA'S FAMILY
Yehuda was an exceedingly unique and creative individual. His brilliance and exceptional sense of humor betrayed an unusually accurate perception of all those around him, while injustice was an enigma to his sensitive soul. He was happiest when he was one with nature, especially spending time fishing alone or with very close friends. It was simply the beauty of casting his fishing line over the perfectly still waters and watching as the ripples created by the line radiated further and further until they reached the shore and its point of stability. This image, when conjured in one’s mind, can be translated into the ripple effect of giving and bringing goodness to people. This ripple continues and eventually begins to take on a life of its own. It is said that some can have a greater impact on this world from heaven than while living in this world. The ripple effect created by Yehuda's exceptional vision can transcend the fact that he is no longer with us. We pray that Yad Yehuda be able to accomplish all of the noble goals set out in it's mission and that, through the organizations actions, a ripple effect of increasing goodness be created here in our world and thereby allowing Yehuda’s special neshama rise to great heights in heaven.
Rav Yosef the son of R’ Yehoshua had a glimpse of the World to Come and was asked what he had seen. “I saw an upside down world,” he replied. “Those who were uplifted in this world were lower in status and those who appeared lowly down here have a greater status in the World of Truth.”
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Yad Yehuda does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sex, marital status or any other characteristic protected by Federal or Maryland laws and regulations in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, employment practices, selection of volunteers or vendors and provision of services. We remain committed to providing a caring and welcoming atmosphere.
Appeal Process
Yad Yehuda makes every effort to allocate assistance in accordance with Jewish Halacha and Hashkafa. If you disagree with a decision Yad Yehuda has made regarding your request for assistance, you may appeal and ask for a re-determination in writing or by phone. (If you appeal by phone, it's best to also appeal in writing.) There is no time limit for making such a request.