Top Rabbis Launch Organization for Children of Divorced Parents

A new organization named "Katf L'Yeled" (Shoulder to Child) was established this week in Bnei Brak to support and guide children and teenagers whose parents have divorced. The founding conference was attended by prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Stern, Rabbi Chaim Feinstein, Rabbi Itamar Garboz, Rabbi Chaim Yosef Biderman, the Rebbe of Pittsburgh, and Rabbi Yechiel Derbermdiker. Rabbi Menachem Shapira will serve as the organization's rabbi.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Stern shared a personal story of becoming an orphan at age six, highlighting the lasting pain. He drew a parallel between orphans and children of divorced parents, noting that while many organizations support orphans, children from divorced families often hide their pain. He stressed the "obligation of the hour" to establish an organization to identify this pain and connect these children with mentors who understand them.

Rabbi Chaim Feinstein offered his blessing, emphasizing the mitzvah of "clinging to God's way, a healer of broken hearts." The Rebbe of Pittsburgh spoke about the "quiet pain" of these children, who may appear normal but lack a stable home environment. He stated the organization would be "like cold water to a weary soul" and prevent distress for parents and educators.

Rabbi Yehuda Leib Kof, the organization's educational advisor, shared that he became an orphan at sixteen and that society used to be judgmental towards orphans. He relayed the words of children, one eight-year-old who said, "If someone has to pay the price, it's me," and another preparing for his bar mitzvah who wanted to donate his gift money to his mother. He noted that children of divorce can age prematurely, with one child feeling like a "ninety-year-old man" at six.

Rabbi Meir Leifer mentioned that in one class alone, eight students have divorced parents, most of whom are unwilling to discuss the issue. Rabbi David Brawerman, who will be involved with the organization, stated that "family stories" often underlie behavioral problems in teenagers. He recounted a success story of a young man from Ponevezh, whose parents divorced, who refused marriage prospects until a scholar hosted him weekly for a year and a half, showing him a model of a loving parental relationship. The young man eventually married. Brawerman concluded, "A child needs to know: I have someone like a father, and this is my address. Instead of building a hospital near the bridge, let's fix the bridge."

The organization's initial phase will involve establishing a mentorship system providing weekly professional, emotional, and educational support. Mentors will undergo training and monthly guidance to effectively assist the children and fill the void they experience.