Lkavod Rabbanim Chashuvim,
Over the last number of months, some very public battles have been waged with the goal of allowing us to continue to practice yiddishkeit in America as we have for decades.
These battles were just the beginning, however. Whether advocating for yeshiva education, keeping our shuls open, communities expanding, zoning for shuls & eruvin, or end-of-life medical matters, we are fighting on a new frontier in the 21st century.
At the forefront of this effort is Klal Yisroel’s organization and ambassador of torah true yiddishkeit: Agudas Yisroel. In direct consultation with members of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah and myself included, Agudas Yisroel continues the avodas hakodesh for which it was created: protecting the interests of torah yidden in America.
The Adudah’s shtadlanim work with true dedication and mesiras nefesh, but that is not enough. In order for their voices to be heard, and their demands be met, it must be made clear that they represent a klal, a large community.
For this reason I would like to ask that you strongly encourage the members of your kehilla to participate in the nationwide Machatzis HaShekel Campaign that is currently underway – especially appropriate for this week of parshas .כי תשא את־ראש בני־ישראל לפקדיהם
By adding their entire family to the Agudah’s constituency rolls, they become part of the כח הרבים that can accomplish on behalf of Klal Yisroel only as a torah coalition can. This is a simple way for each member of Klal Yisroel to take part in the holy work of this holy organization.
Enclosed is a letter from the Roshei Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoha that conveys their feelings about this important cause.
Please Read to Understand: Agudah Machatzis Hashekel Campaign
Dear Rabbanim shlit”a,
You may have seen advertisements for the Agudah’s “Machatzis Hashekel Campaign”. I would like to clarify the intent and importance of the program.
The goal of the program is to strengthen the Agudah’s ability to advocate on behalf of the community. If the Agudah can show clear facts of how many constituents they have, they will have a stronger voice and more leverage in the halls of government.
This is not a fundraiser, as the $1.50 per family member will barely cover their costs to run the program.
Please see the attached letter from Rav Brudny shlit”a to Rabbanim about this matter and the letter from the Lakewood Roshei Yeshiva shlit”a to their Yeshiva. Baruch Hashem in Lakewood alone, several thousand people have already signed up.
This all being said, please consider sending the wording below or something similar to your kehilla and to mention the concept on Shabbos.
Thank you!
Shai Markowitz
WORDING FOR EMAIL-
We reach out to you as someone who is familiar with the vital work of Agudath Israel of America, to enlist your involvement in an important campaign.
In numbers there is strength, and every person associated with the Agudah makes our work for Klal Yisroel that much more effective.
For this reason we would like to ask you to have every one of your family members registered in Agudath Israel’s Nationwide Machatzis HaShekel Campaign to be counted, by name, as a constituent of the Agudah.
In a time when it’s harder than ever to make sure that the voice of the Orthodox community is heard, please help us maintain our strength in numbers by registering every family member to be counted as echod min haminuyim. Have them join the ranks, and bring up our numbers, so Agudath Israel can continue to fight for the rights of “Reb Yisroel and Klal Yisroel.”
Please go to www.theagudah.org to register your family members in this special campaign.
Please sign up to strengthen our voice