Efraim Krug Helps Leads Group Effort

For Israeli Victim Families

By Susie Davidson

Advocate Correspondent

BRIGHTON - At last weekend's post-Shabbat Malava Malka gathering, the culmination of a three week program, Efraim Krug’s Torah study group sought a way by which they could help Israeli families who have suffered terrible losses. They decided to join the Adopt-a-Family effort where, for about $5000 per year, a family in need can be assisted.

“We are hoping to get 50 families here to each contribute $100/year for this program,” says Krug, who first learned about the program when he heard Sharon Evans speak at Newton’s Beth El synagogue. "Among other considerations," he continues, "is that every dollar we send goes directly to the family. There is no administration cost. If we send $5000, the family in need receives $5000."

Many local synagogues and community groups have joined this effort, instituted by The Israel Emergency Solidarity Fund-One Family. Adopt-a-Family was formerly known as Project Embrace; it matches up Israeli families who have been victimized by terrorism with synagogues, community groups or individual donors in the U.S. The program carefully screens concerns on both ends of the pairing, as it seeks to facilitate a bond that is both meaningful and lasting.

U.S. sponsors provide aid that is both emotional and financial in nature; the support and commitment given helps the victimized families to start on the process of rebuilding their fragmented lives. It is assistance above and beyond that which they might receive from their friends or family, Israeli agencies or the Israeli government, and promotes a bond between Jews that is international and profound.

Often, American families will phone their Israeli beneficiaries, asking how a child is. Sometimes, birthday presents and additional checks are sent for occasions. The ways by which support can be bestowed are limitless, individual and open-ended.

Krug has been building his local group over the years. “We started about ten years ago when Shlomo Carlebach z"l came to Brenda Edward's house in Newton to teach. Or, maybe we started about eight years ago,” he pauses, “when Rabbi Nehemia Polen began teaching Chassidus at our house in Somerville. Or maybe we started when I went to visit Bat Ayin about four years ago.” In any event, "Our goal is learning in solidarity with our friends and families in Eretz Yisroel. When we are learning we are trying to learn with open minds and open hearts, with kindness towards each other - and we and our chevre in Eretz Yisroel should be blessed that the Master of the Universe should treat us the same way - with loving kindness."

He has organized an email list where he asks for feedback and commitment on this effort. “When I have a list of 50,” he tells recipients, “I will contact everyone, and collect the money.”

For those wishing to participate in this effort, join Krug’s study group or merely obtain information, please contact Krug at fmkrug@mindspring.com.

For information on the Adopt-a-Family program, please visit

http://www.walk4israel.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Living