(Courtesy of Yad Leah) Have you ever felt like a million bucks when you put on a new outfit? Ever heard the adage that “Clothes make the man?”
What is so special about clothing that Yad Leah in Passaic has dedicated their mission to by sending hundreds of thousands of pieces of good used clothing to struggling Israeli families every year? Yad Leah lives by the principle that clothing can transform a person not only in how they’re seen by others but also in how they see themselves. The impact of clothing extends beyond appearances; it can influence perception, mood and identity. Yad Leah knows that providing clothing is a form of chesed that has a farther reach than just the material item.
Psychologists say that clothing can improve confidence and self-esteem as well as shifting one’s mindset and cognitive performance (like wearing a brand-new dress when going to a job interview). In a recent Instagram reel by Arky Staiman (@israelwitharky), he discussed the incredible feeling he had when he was finally able to put on his Shabbat shirt instead of an Israeli army uniform. He said little things like being able to wear his white button-down Shabbat shirt while on leave for a Shabbat in his home of Tekoa is not something he takes for granted anymore.
Staiman showed us how clothing can bring simcha. The Rambam’s definition of true simcha is making others happy (Hilchos Yom Tov 6:18), which is clearly done by providing clothing to people who are struggling with poverty and emotional distress.
Yad Leah’s clothing not only brings simcha but also transforms people by giving them strength and power to face their challenges. When 70,000 Israelis had to evacuate their homes and farms in northern Israel this past year, they fled with just the clothes on their backs. The Yad Leah gemachim were a godsend. These Israelis could not only find physical warmth and the supplies they needed, but a tremendous boost from putting on something clean, new and beautiful.
Mayrav Harris, who runs the Yad Leah gemach in Maaleh Chever, wrote to Yad Leah Executive Director Jessica Katz about some recent visitors to her store:
“A couple with two little kids from Shefer in the north of Israel came for a wedding and got stuck here because the war intensified. They had only one night’s clothing with them. When they heard about the Yad Leah gemach, they came right over, desperate to find anything to keep their children warm. Baruch Hashem, they found enough warm clothing to stay for as long as they needed. They got socks, undergarments and sweaters. What would they have done otherwise? I am so grateful to Yad Leah.”
How can you get involved in Yad Leah to help other struggling Israeli families? “It’s pretty simple,” said Aliza Bloom, Yad Leah’s communication manager. “Donate good clothing, visit the warehouse, help with packing and participate in raising money to get the clothing to Israel.”
“On any given week, we can have all activities happening simultaneously,” Bloom continued. “This past Sunday we had a clothing drive in West Hempstead, New York and a bat mitzvah party in our warehouse where close to 100 family members sorted and packed clothing. And next Sunday is our biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual Dash for Dignity. A fun family event with a 5K run and a 1K family walk. There are many opportunities for you to get involved.”
Warehouse bat mitzvah parties are in increasing demand at Yad Leah over the last few years. Families and friends gather in the warehouse for a “chesed experience” where Yad Leah volunteers show the participants how to sort and pack clothing. Participants are also welcome to bring decorations, swag, a video montage and personal photographers.
Chani and Ahuva Kurtz from Clifton, New Jersey had their twin bat mitzvah party in the Yad Leah warehouse this past Sunday. They packed 1,800 pieces of clothing to send to Israel and raised 5,000 dollars. The Kurtz family decided to put their donation toward supplying one community in Israel with clothing for one season.
Chani and Ahuva’s mother, Ricki Kurtz, said, “We chose to have our twin daughters bat mitzvah at Yad Leah because clothing is such an important part of who we are. Especially now with what is going on in Israel, this was the best way we could make their bat mitzvah meaningful.”
Kurtz continued, “My parents were so emotional, they could not get over the experience. After living in Teaneck and donating their clothes for years, to see the elaborate operation inside, they were blown away.”
“Coming to our warehouse is the best way to get to know Yad Leah and make a real impact,” said Katz. “I invite everyone, whether it’s with a bat mitzvah, school or shul to please stop by and visit. You will not believe how many warehouse rooms are filled with boxes of clothes just waiting to find a new home in Israel.”
Yad Leah knows that clothing is more than just fabric; it’s the complex language of love and support from one Jew to another. To schedule an event at the Yad Leah warehouse, call or email Elisheva Greenbaum at 973) 955-0861 or [email protected].
