Tuvia Finds His Freedom - A Book for Children - Teaching About Kindness to Animals

The Torah speaks about the importance of not being cruel to animals. We are commanded to feed our animals before us, not to work two different animals together and to even unburden the donkey of one's enemy should one see it struggling. These are just a few of the important Mitzvot that apply to not being cruel to animal - and taking care of one suffering.

It's often a neglected Mitzvah. Children of today often find it difficult to relate to a animal. Many - sadly - will beat an animal for no reason. Children taking donkey rides in parks often find it "fun" to strike the donkey, thinking this is what one must do to make it go. Yet other children will find a lost kitten and immediately enclose it in a small cage to take into the park for all his friends to look at - as he smiles at being the new "owner" - to the envy of his friends. He is never able to think that this creature has a mother of his own - and who is need of her. Neither will he ever appreciate that after the animal has been taken away - the mother may very likely not find her baby, nor even want to take the baby back after having been handled by another, especially a human.

Some children delight in throwing water over a baby bird to see it shake itself - as if the creature is enjoying the "bath." Most kids delight in chasing birds that are wandering in a park - as they watch the animal take flight - not thinking that perhaps they were in need of food available right there.

While much stress is so often put in teaching children how to observe Shabbat, keep Kosher or shake a Lulav, there is much lacking from the curriculum in how to care for an animal correctly - and certainly in how to refrain from harming them in any way whatsoever.

Our latest book is now out!!! It's teaches all about the beautiful values of caring for an animal. King David teaches (Psalms 89:3), "The world is built on lovingkindness." He also teaches (Psalms 145:9) that, "His mercy is upon all His works." Hillel - the great Sage, taught (Ethics of the Fathers 1:12), "Be of the students of Aharon. Love peace and pursue peace. Love all creatures..." This is what this book is all about. Its best suited for kids between the ages of 5-7 though is wonderful reading - even for adults! For younger kids, the book can be read to them - and the attractive - REAL - photographs of the story unfolding - can be shown to the children at the time the story is read.

Purchase the book today by clicking here!

TUVIA FINDS HIS FREEDOM

BY ELIYAHU AND SHOSHANAH SHEAR

A newly married couple find an unusual guest outside their new apartment. A "tortoise" has found its way down four flights of stairs and is lost.

This adventure is based on a true story of how Tuvia the "tortoise" finds his freedom again.

Enjoy the beautiful photographs of the story as it unfolds. A delightful read for children (and adults) teaching them the importance of kindness to animals.

Tuvia teaches that animals have feelings too and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.  The attractive photos, which assist children in taking an active part in the story show that animals have emotions and intelligence.

The story shows the specialness of caring for animals.

So don't delay - get your copy TODAY - and teach your kids the beautiful values of caring for all of G-d's creatures.

For more on our activities and publications - visit Chessed Ve'Emet's site TODAY www.lovingkindness.co or be in touch!

Giving Matanot LaEvyonim - Monetary Gifts to the Poor on Purim. Who is to be Considered Poor?

On Purim - there is a Mitzvah to give financial charity to two POOR people. What is your definition of poor? Let me give you some examples - and you choose or add your own:

1. Someone wearing filthy garments, hasn't eaten all day (or for the past two days) looks in a shocking condition and is standing on the street corner begging for money? Is he poor and do you feel you'd give your charity to him on Purim?

2. Someone who wears clean garments, looks clean does not own a home of their own, but rents, who pays full taxes but has no money for food (practically speaking yes) cannot afford the enforced taxes and cannot afford his rent either. He will go years without buying much needed spectacles because he has no means to purchase them - and wouldn't tell anybody this either. Nobody would ever know except him. He does not own his own furniture or appliances. If a visit to his own shows that he does have old broken furniture - it may not even be his - but rather his landlord's! 

However, he regularly loans from the banks (having huge interest to pay off) and continues this way until he eventually gives in to life whether through becoming bankrupt or kills himself (G-d forbid.) Pretend you didn't know the last few lines and just read the first few points only. Would you consider him poor (i.e. without knowing what was about to happen to him in the near future?) Would you feel comfortable giving to him realising he may need something - or do you regard him as taken care of?

3. Someone who owns their own home but owes over one million shekels on it (simply because - yes - housing is this expensive in Israel) battles to pay his regular enforced taxes, does without food when necessary because he cannot afford it. Apparently the government and other financial lords feel that owning the home is sufficient food for being able to live. Incidentally he looks clean on the outside, and seems to appear to be healthy. Pretend you didn't know that he cannot afford food, clothing and other necessary items - because all you can see is the expensive home that he owns. Would you consider him poor?

4. Someone who owns their own home in full but has no money in his bank account at all. He struggles to meet his food bills, medical bills, insurance bills, car payments etc. He really cannot pay his day to day bills even though he owns the house. Look - telling the fellow to sell his home so that at least he will have cash available won't help because he believes he is entitled to it. Just that he cannot afford his daily bills. Is he to be considered poor?

5. Someone who owns their own home, married, kids, pays for the basics, but cannot afford proper education. He doesn't waste on holiday expenses etc., but there are things he feels important - you know - like education - and he cannot afford that. Is he to be considered poor?

Add your own definition.

Consider this now: Who do you give your "charity gifts to the poor" to. It's something to think about on an individual level and is completely irrelevant to have the need to tell anyone.

If you would like to give your Tzedaka this Purim to truly needy Jews in Israel who may well fit one of the first two categories - please make a donation immediately by clicking the donate button below. For more information about the activities of Chessed Ve'Emet, please see our main website www.lovingkindness.co and join us in learning the beautiful values of Torah and assisting those who truly need assistance.

Make your difference today - and save a life - or two!

Rare VIDEO Footage of the Chafetz Chaim - Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (1838-1933) known as the Chofetz Chaim - after the book he wrote dealing with the laws of derogatory and defamatory speech, is one of the most well known giants of Torah from the previous generation. His Mishna Berurah is by far one of the most popular Halachic works studied by those adhering to Torah law. We are really privileged to have this rare video footage (below) taken in 1923 at the first Knessia Gedolah. You will see him coming in at about 57 seconds and the video continues with him until about 1:11. Enjoy!

מיי ומי ההולכים בצילום הנ"ל: הג"ר אברהם צבי פרלמוטר אב"ד ורשא ונציג אגו"י בסיים 0:27 האדמו"ר ר' ישראל פרידמן מצ'ורטקוב 0:47 רשכבה"ג נשיא הדורות החפץ חיים זי"ע 0:57 מלווה בבנו מצד אחד ומצד שני נכדו הגר"א קפלן הי"ד 0:57 האדמו"ר מסוקולוב ר' יצחק זליג מורגנשטרן הי"ד 1:47 הג"ר אשר מיכאל [דר. ארתור] כהן אב"ד באזל 1:57 הג"ר יהודא ליב צירלסון אב"ד קישנב הי"ד 2:05 הג"ר אלנן וסרמן הי"ד 2:22 ר' אשר מנדלסון מראשי אגו"י בפולין ונציג בסיים 2:28 הג"ר פנחס דר. קאהן אב"ד אנסבך 2:56 הג"ר טוביה הורויץ אב"ד סנוק 3:02 מורנו רבי יעקב רוזנהיים נשיא אגו"י 3:16 הג"ר אליהו [דר. ליאו] יונג רב ג'ואיש סנטר ניו יורק 3:55 הג"ר מאיר דר. הילדסהיימר מברלין 3:16 הרב שפיצר נציג אגו"י מהונגריה 3:58 הג"ר יחזקאל סרנא אח"כ ראש ישיבת חברון 4:13 רבי משה בלוי מירושלים 4:28 הג"ר טוביה דר. לוונשטיין אב"ד ציריך 4:34