Mourning and loss – Widows and orphans

אבלות – אלמנות ויתומים

The Rebbe's guidance on supporting widows and orphans, and his words to orphaned children:

Helping widows and orphans. Supporting widows and orphans through acts of kindness strengthens their Jewish identity and brings great merit (IK 10223, 10252). Challenges in this communal work should inspire greater effort, not discouragement (IK 9700). Widows who have been through loss themselves can lead support efforts for others (IK 9414). Supporting orphans who are receiving Torah education brings eternal merit (IK 3571). On sending practical help such as siddurim and funds, see IK 10072.

Orphaned children. To bar mitzvah boys orphaned by war or terror, the Rebbe wrote that Torah study and mitzvos — especially tefillin — and living with joy bring them strength and protection (IK 9502, 9740, 9929, 10178, 10457, 10824). Their bar mitzvah marks spiritual responsibility, and trips and celebrations for them should be planned with family sensitivity (IK 9511). On bar mitzvah customs for an orphaned boy, see IK 6684; on tefillin for orphans, see IK 503.

See also: Tzedakah – Free loans, gemach and acts of kindness; Parenting – Bar and bas mitzvah.

Shiurim in this topic

3571. Donation to the Orphans Fund and the Value of Supporting Torah Education תרומה לקרן היתומים וערך תמיכה בחינוך תורה

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6684. Bar Mitzvah Customs for an Orphaned Son and Guidance for the Family מנהגי בר מצוה לבן יתום והדרכה למשפחה

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9414. Encouragement to a Widow Leading a Support Initiative for Women עידוד לאלמנה, הנהגת יוזמת תמיכה לנשים

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9502. Bar Mitzvah Blessing to Orphaned Sons of Fallen Soldiers ברכת בר מצוה לבני יתומי חללי מלחמה

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9511. Bar Mitzvah Trips for Orphans, Family Sensitivity, and Holiday Alternatives טיולי בר מצוה ליתומים, רגישות למשפחה, ותחליפים לחגים

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