About us

As Yad Leah has grown and reached out to numerous communities across the Israeli map, it has also become blind to the artificial lines that divide Am Yisrael, the nation of Israel. Yad Leah endeavors to help all Jewish people who are in need regardless of religious or political affiliation.

Beitar

Yad Leah’s first thrift shop began in Beitar, a large ultra orthodox community just outside of Jerusalem.  Established by Yad Leah’s founder, Karen Thaler, the thrift shop began in the Thaler closet.  It is now housed in a 4 bedroom apartment complete with a bridal room, a baby layette department and a large supply of clothing for children, teens, and adults. This shop is primarily tailored to meet the needs of a population that struggles to provide basic necessities.  By simulating the shopping experience, families feel comfortable to browse, try on, and purchase clothing they can feel proud to wear.

Itamar

Itamar is a small Yishuv in the Shomron that has in recent years tragically lost many of their residents to terror attacks. Yad Leah has partnered with Moshe Goldsmith, the Mayor of Itamar and his wife, Leah to distribute clothing to orphaned and needy families in the Itamar. Additionally, Itamar has developed a local distribution network to serve small outer lying communites in need that find it difficult to access the aid available to larger well established cities and towns.

Ramat Beit Shemesh

Ramat Beit Shemesh is a large economically and religiously diverse community in the center of Israel. Yad Leah has established the Shemesh Shop in partnership with Lema'an Achai.  Lema'an Achai, a multiifaceted social service agency serving the Beit Shemesh area has been a leader in helping families develop self-sufficiency tools to get them back on their feet.  They have also been at the forefront of helping the displaced Jews of Gaza and more recently of the northern communites.   Together with Lema’an Achai, Yad Leah has set up a store front in the middle of one of Ramat Beit Shemesh’s business districts.  This shop targets those families who struggle to pay their monthly expeneses.  By relieving these families of the burden of costly clothing bills, these families are able to maintain their pride and dignity without turning to the community for financial assistance.

Elon Moreh

Elon Moreh was the first place that the patriarch Abraham stopped on his way into the Land of Israel.  It is here where God first promised the Holy Land to the Jewish People.  Then, over 5,000 years ago, it was a barren field full of promise.  Today, Elon Moreh is home to 250 families who are committed to establishing schools, synagogues, social services and industry to foster the growth of the town.  Among the community offerings recently established is a large thrift shop.  Yad Leah has partnered with the community to provide the merchandise so that families can ”shop “ for their basic clothing needs in a beautiful, clean, inviting environment.  In a town plagued by the constant threat of terrorism, the thrift shop has alleviated the extra burden of clothing expenses while allowing communal monies to be funneled towards greater security efforts.

Kfar Tapuach

Kfar Tapuach is a small town of approximately 700 residents.  With families from Yemen, Russia, America, Peru and Israel, Tapuach is among the most ethnically diverse Israeli settlements. Yad Leah’s involvement with Tapuach began with the desire to assist one family.  David and Raaya Bloch have six children of their own.  However on December  31, 2001, Raaya’s sister and Brother-in-law, Talya and Binyamin Kahane were shot and killed by a terrorist in a drive by shooting.  Raaya and David  adopted all six children including an infant girl.  Struggling to provide for the social, financial, and emotional needs of a devastated family, Raaya requested clothing from Yad Leah.  After an initial shipment, Raaya decided to further broaden her heroic acts of altruism.  Raaya now oversees regular clothing distribution to the entire Tapuach community.