By: Frimet Blum. Thousands of doors in Jewish homes have already opened to welcome the Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Chinese Auction booklet, Opening Doors. The booklet opens the door to opportunities for both auction participants and the poor; with participants granted the opportunity to enter and win super prizes for just $10 or $5; and poor almonos and yesomim receiving the assistance they depend on from Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Reb Meir Baal Haness. The auction, to be held אי”ה on Tuesday, January 17, at The Rose Castle in Williamsburg, will benefit the famed Kollel Shomrei Hachomos’ Widows and Orphans Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the event; or by phone, fax, or online.

Participants in the auction will follow generations of Jews who supported Kollel Shomrei Hachomos. Ever since the saintly Chasam Sofer founded the organization 152 years ago, the Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Reb Meir Baal Haness pushke was a steady fixture in homes across Eastern Europe. Jews dropped hard-earned coins into their pushkes, and helped support the struggling yishuv in Eretz Yisroel.

Today, Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Reb Meir Baal Haness is a source of succor and relief for thousands of widows and orphans. The widows carry the unbearable burden of raising their families alone, usually with no source of income. Many have large families. Their children suffer from poverty, hunger, and deprivation – plus the sorrow and pain of being orphaned.

Kollel Shomrei Hachomos is a beacon of hope and help to these families. The Kollel does everything possible to ease their burden – including sending generous cash stipends, Yom Tov assistance, and tuition aid. The widows also get help when they marry off their children, and whenever they are in crisis. Kollel Shomrei Hachomos is the address they turn to in times of joy and sorrow. The Kollel’s assistance gives widows the courage, strength, and peace of mind to focus on the colossal task of being both mother and father to their children. It also changes orphans’ lives by ensuring that their physical needs are met, and that they have the food and clothing they need.

The upcoming Chinese Auction is a modern version of the tin pushke – although the pushke itself is as popular today as it was in the alte heim. Purchasing auction tickets is a noble act of tzedakah. In fact, many people utter the words “Elakah d’Meir Aneini” when they sign their checks or provide their credit card information; bringing the blessing of the tanna Reb Meir Baal Haness to their lives. That blessing is significant, as countless people can attest to the koach of tzedakah given in the name of Reb Meir.
The auction promises to be a delightful event, with a special slide presentation, delicious food, and a magnificent array of prizes, including sterling silver, precious gems, trips abroad, furniture, linen ensembles, and exciting toys. Tickets are just ten or five dollars, giving everyone the opportunity to participate and enter to win even the most expensive prizes.

To receive a copy of the book, to order tickets, or to learn more about Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Reb Meir Baal Haness, please call 718-243-2495, or visit them ONLINE HERE.

Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Reb Meir Baal Haness is a Sponsor on TLS.