Parnassa is truly a gift from Hashem. Each morning, in Ashrei, we recite, “posai’ach es yaodecha – You open Your hand to satisfy all the living.” In Shemoneh Esrei, we ask Hashem to “satisfy us from Your bounty.” On motza’ei Shabbos, we ask Hashem for dew from Heaven to give us the fatness of the earth and plenty of corn and wine. We ask for parnassa in Avinu Malkeinu, as well as in the blessing on Rosh Chodesh, the new month. In the bentshing, too, we thank Hashem for our bread, while asking for sustenance, blessing, and success.

No matter what our financial position – barely holding on or blessed with largesse – we must always recognize that it is Hashem’s money with which we are entrusted, given to us to manage properly. We must be same’ach bechelko, happy with our lot, and do our hishtadlus, make our best efforts, to support ourselves and our family. That includes crafting a sound financial plan.

Once a Pikesville country club, now a yeshiva campus, the Bais HaMedrash and Mesivta  of Baltimore is a jewel of Torah learning – and the pride and joy of its founder and Rosh Yeshiva, Harav Zvi Dov Slanger. I recently visited the yeshiva on a weeknight and witnessed over 135 bachurim packing the beis medrash and learning with tremendous enthusiasm. This room filled with a chorus of Torah learning is the fulfillment of Rav Slanger’s dream and the crescendo of his Torah life.

The journey to this accomplishment starts with a young Hungarian Holocaust survivor who, this year, celebrates the momentous 70-year anniversary since his release from the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at a commemorative seudas hoda’ah, (festive thanksgiving banquet) on the 21st of Kislev. In preparation for this event, Devorah Klein told Rabbi Slanger’s life story in last month’s issue, from his birth in Budapest to his incarceration in Bergen-Belsen to his arrival in Baltimore. We continue with a detailed account of his years in Baltimore.

As the population in our special Baltimore community grows, its financial needs unfortunately continue to increase dramatically as well. Ahavas Yisrael Charity Fund is called upon daily to assist those who are struggling financially and having trouble keeping up with basic living expenses. Guided by our wonderful Rabbanim, Ahavas Yisrael responds to each call, always preserving the dignity and confidentiality of individuals and families in need. Here are some of Ahavas Yisrael’s newest developments.

As I write, this August of 2013, my mom is, b”H, almost 92 years old. Mom sleeps a lot and, as a result of a stroke, does not speak. Though she suffers from dementia, she does recognize her family and has retained her very pleasant personality and demeanor; she responds to us and to the wonderful caregivers with her trademark warm and friendly smile.

  Those in our community who knew Mom in her vibrant younger years know that she was an excellent musician and a master gardener. She did outstanding chesed, with our home always open to guests. My

Out in the Cold

It was a cold February day in the 1960s, and it was snowing on Jonquil Avenue. About two inches had covered the lawns and side walks, but the snow kept falling hard. My mom opened the front door and looked up the street, where she noticed a neighbor, an elderly gentleman, standing on the sidewalk in front of his home. He was not wearing boots and looked chilled. About half-an-hour later, she noticed the same gentleman, in a heavy winter coat and hat that was now covered with snow, was still standing in front of his home

For the refugees who escaped the horrors of the Second World War, it was incredibly difficult to start over again in a place that was totally foreign in culture, language, and lifestyle. Many escaped penniless with just the clothing they wore and were helped by Jewish organizations like HIAS (Hebrew Immigrants Aid Society) of The Associated, here in Baltimore. Others were brought over by relatives, and some were even sponsored by generous private individuals, who provided affidavits to ensure that the refugees would not become a burden to this country. The money they posted made the government more likely to