Dear Tomche Shabbos,

Enclosed is a check for $5,000. I would like to explain the reasoning behind it. I daven at Rabbi Wosner’s 7:00am minyan at Ohr Somayach (almost) every day.  After davening, we learn a bit of Pela Yoetz. We recently learned the piece entitled Oneg, in which the Pela Yoetz explains how it says in the Gemara Shabbos 118a, _______, and does not say _______. This means that we are supposed to give pleasure to Shabbos, not just take pleasure from Shabbos.

One of the most obvious ways to accomplish this is by ensuring that others are enjoying Shabbos just like we are. My wife and I therefore decided to donate the (average) amount that we spend for every Shabbos and Yom Tov to Tomche Shabbos. This way, every Shabbos and Yom Tov when we sit down with our family to enjoy Shabbos, we can do so properly by knowing that we are giving the same amount to others.

Figuring that we spend an average of $150 per Shabbos and Yom Tov, and that there are approximately 60 – 64 Shabbosim and Yomim Tovim per year, that equals $10,000 per year. The enclosed check represents the second half of 2018. IYH all should be well in January, and we will send in $10,000 for 2019.

Thank you for simplifying the process for us by distributing food to those in need every Shabbos and Yom Tov.