 Kindness and Faith
By Judith Weil On a sidestreet in Jerusalem's Meah Shearim neighborhood is a printing plant where 55 men, aged 17 to 57, are occupied operating equipment, sorting papers, counting, sticking, binding, packing, ensuring that the customer will be satisfied. All these men have anxieties: "I have been hospitalized several times," said one, "and am always afraid I will be taken in again." Each patient is under psychiatric care, and the devoted supervision of Rabbi Binyomin Rosenthal and his wife, Chana, who give encouragement and guidance to each client. The plant is part of a comprehensive rehabilitation system, known as 'Chessed Ve'emuna' (Kindness and Faith). Some men sleep at home, some go back to the hospital at night, and about 18 live at its hostel. Work continues until early afternoon when there are afternoon prayers and lunch. There are social activities, occasional outings to nature reserves and other places of interest, and educational programs. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Health, Chesed Ve'emuna receives a small grant for each patient (less per month than a hospital receives per day). There is lots of individual contact, varying from teaching the patients how to buy their own clothes and keep their rooms clean and tidy, to teaching them how to work and providing spiritual guidance. Some government inspectors are deeply impressed with the Rosenthal's devotion, while others fault their round the clock involvement as "non professional." But, then, how do parents take care of their own children, if not with boundless concern? Patients are paid an incentive of two to eight shekels per working hour. The higher sum is close to the legal minimum wage, and a visitor gets the impression that a small number of patients are almost ready to venture outside the center's sheltered environment. The center originally served only 15 men, but over the years, with the help of donors, it was able to move to larger premises and accept more patients. Chesed Ve'emuna feels that there is also an urgent need for a center for women, perhaps even more vital than for men. Coaxing, counseling and guidance are effective, but opting for extra work hours for overtime, and responding to other incentives, is ultimately up to the individual clients. In the end, making a success of life depends on the person himself. Chesed Ve'emuna simply teaches the ABC and the Alef Beis of how to do it.
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