Europe's poorest Frum community needs your help!

[Placeholder Logo]( Explosive growth? But the people are starving!   Can you name the poorest country in Europe? Tucked between Ukraine to the north and east and Romania to the west, Moldova made international headlines two years ago as the region absorbed thousands of refugees overnight following Putin’s invasion. Life is hard here. Nearly one in three people living in Moldova falls below the poverty line. For reference, only one in ten Americans lives with this level of poverty. The overwhelming majority of Moldovan citizens struggle to cover even the most basic necessities and keep heat in their homes, especially during the long months of frigid winters. Many are barely surviving. Smack in the middle of economic hardship, mass emigration, and shrinking communities, Chabad of Moldova is abuzz with action. Five families are turning the tables, and Judaism is blossoming amid a flurry of construction, renovation, and inspiration.   With a keen focus on addressing the extreme poverty within the community, Rabbi Zushe Abelsky is spearheading the resurgence of Yiddishkait in Moldova. [Chabad of Moldova’s crowdfunding campaign]( aims to continue to provide the basics for some of the poorest Jews in the world. Hundreds of locals participate in the shul’s monthly food drives, stopping by the shul to receive large boxes of groceries - because starvation is real in Moldova. For elderly and homebound community members who can’t make it to the popular food drives or visit the shul’s soup kitchen (where meals are free for locals), food is delivered fresh by Meals on Wheels. To further invest in the community, Chabad of Moldova offers employment to as many local Jews as possible, replacing stagnation with opportunity.   As Chabad eases the burden of poverty, Jews in Moldova are extremely responsive. Interest in Yiddishkait, and in Chabad in particular, hasn’t been this strong since the fall of the Soviet Union. Judaism is being ignited in the hearts and souls of local Yidden, and it shows. Men, women, and children are increasing in Torah learning and mitzvos daily. The flagship shul in the capital city of Chișinău (Kishnev) was recently renovated, expanding to accommodate 300 neshamos for community programs and events. A new Chabad center is on the horizon in nearby Transnistria, a huge accomplishment in the face of sensitive political issues in the region. A new mikvah is under construction in Kishnev, with renovations nearing completion on the original mikvah - and Nishei Chabad is already very active under the leadership of local shluchos. The Hebrew school is likewise in need of expansion to accommodate the growing number of students.   The trend has become extremely clear: locals who benefit from financial support have incorporated Yiddishkait into their lives by the hundreds. And it all hinges on the generosity of strangers on the other side of the world. The good news is that donations clearly have tremendous impact - it’s one thing to contribute to a growing Chabad house in a comfortable town in a developed country…and it’s altogether different to partner with an organization that is saving Jews from starvation and assimilation simultaneously. Cultural revival and dire living conditions are mutually exclusive. But not at Chabad of Moldova.   Ranking as the most impoverished country in Europe, the cost of living is untenable for the majority of Moldova’s citizens. Average Moldova household (two adults) net monthly income: $1058 Average monthly cost of utilities: $216 Average monthly cost of food: $248 Average monthly household rent: $573 The costs of food, electricity, and fuel of all kinds jumped with Putin’s Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Practically speaking, most families are unable to afford to feed themselves. Under conditions as dire as these, no one would expect a vibrant reawakening of Jewish life - but Chabad of Moldova missed the memo, and they’re raising critical funds today to keep Yiddishkait rocking - check out [Charidy.com/Moldova](.   Please partner with us today [Charidy.com/Moldova]( [Beefree Logo]( [Designed with Beefree]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Vos Is Neias · 600 Reisterstown Rd Suite 401 · Baltimore, MD 21208 · USA