Jewish Charity Initiative Addresses Unclaimed Funds Before Yom Kippur

As Yom Kippur approaches, a national initiative called "Ve'hayitem Nekiyim" (And You Shall Be Clean) is expanding its efforts to help individuals resolve complex financial obligations where the rightful owner cannot be found. This initiative addresses situations such as forgotten debts, unsettled damages, accidental overpayments, or money held for years by someone who cannot locate the original owner.

The core principle emphasized by the project is that if the owner can be identified, the money must be returned directly. "Ve'hayitem Nekiyim" is not a charity fund and does not replace the obligation of returning funds. The program becomes relevant only when all reasonable efforts to find the owner have failed.

In such cases, Jewish law permits using the funds for "the needs of the many." The innovation of "Ve'hayitem Nekiyim" is to facilitate this by connecting individuals with dozens of charitable loan funds (Gmachim) and loan organizations across Haredi communities in Israel. Instead of directing funds to a single local point, the money is integrated into a broad network of Gmachim and interest-free loans. This indirect approach increases the likelihood that the original owner or their descendants might benefit from the funds. Furthermore, the money is not used for a one-time act of kindness; it is loaned out, returned to the Gmach, and can then assist another person, creating a continuous cycle of charity.

The initiative's framework has received approval from prominent rabbinic authorities, including Rabbi Yehuda Silman, Rabbi Shariel Rosenberg, Rabbi Amram Fried, Rabbi Tzvi Brawerman, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, who signed endorsements stating that deposits in "Ve'hayitem Nekiyim" bring "endless merits" and are under strict rabbinic supervision.

Recently, dozens of Gmach leaders met with Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, who reviewed the regulations and rabbinic approvals. He encouraged the expansion of the program to include more Gmachim and communities in the national network.

The initiative urges the public not to wait until the last minute. Alongside seeking forgiveness and preparing for the holy day, individuals are encouraged to review their finances for any old debts, unsettled damages, or mistaken sums. If the owner is known, the money should be returned; if not, efforts should be made to locate them. If finding the owner proves impossible after due diligence, the "Ve'hayitem Nekiyim" initiative offers a solution to resolve these outstanding financial matters before Yom Kippur.