Last Motzei Shabbos, hundreds came to Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck for the first community-wide event in support of Project Yechi, an organization set out to help cancer patients continue to meet their mortgage and rent payments. Project Yechi was started by Chaim Feigenbaum, a”h, who passed away from cancer in May 2012, and continues in his memory. As Jackie Feigenbaum explained to the crowd of over 700 guests, his son Chaim’s ability to continue working, even when it was sporadic, and being able to pay his bills, opened his eyes to the fact that many families in similar situations would not have that ability.

Almost anyone who has been to a local simcha or shul event in the past two years has most likely benefited from the elegant tablecloths distributed by the Feigenbaum family through the tablecloth gemach. With over 100 tablecloth varieties, the gemach has been utilized for nearly any type of event one can imagine. Donations from this gemach go directly to help fund Project Yechi. As many learned this past week, Project Yechi is not only about enhancing a simcha, it is about enhancing quality of life during the hardest of times.

Since January 2015, Project Yechi has helped sixty families across the United States and Israel, made 120 rent or mortgage payments, and has paid over $240,000 directly to landlords, mortgage companies and banks. By year end, they will have distributed over $300,000.

Feigenbaum read letters from families as local as Bergen County, to Chicago, and the crowd heard their anguish and hopelessness, but also heard the relief that Project Yechi was able to provide. As their website says, their goal is “Taking your mind off your house, so you can focus on your home.”

Talia Feigenbaum, in whose husband’s memory Project Yechi was established, also addressed the crowd with an eloquent and heartfelt explanation of her gratitude for what they were able to achieve, and how they hope to continue helping others as a tribute to Chaim. They hope to continue helping with rent and mortgage support to families unable to make payments on bills due to cancer treatments, in his memory, and as a testament to his positive approach to life.

Though everyone enjoyed the outdoor barbecue and tasty desserts, as well as interacting with friends at a beautiful event, many conversations still centered around the goal of Project Yechi, and the awareness it now created in the community. The spirit of the event, and of Chaim Feigenbaum’s strength of emunah (faith), was driven home by Mr. Feigenbaum’s request to recite two chapters of Tehillim (Psalms), for those who are ill, as well as for the current situation in Israel.

All the money raised goes directly to help pay the rent or mortgages of the recipient. To learn more about Project Yechi, how they have helped, and what else they do, or to make a donation, visit ProjectYechi.org or email [email protected].

By Jenny Gans