Please Read

Words cannot describe the feelings and emotions we all felt when we saw Abba today at the hospital! To see all my brothers jump from the car and run towards him, giving him the longest hug you can imagine. For a moment we were in tears knowing he’s ok.

For so many it may be hard to understand. Imagine having been in your early twenties, putting your life on hold dedicating yourself to providing a home and not just a home a forever family to nine children. You see, for us we know what it’s like to be in foster care, not having a mother nor father or any family, but righteous people do exist, those who become foster parents have extreme challenges ahead of them.

But those who take the next step and become adoptive parents take on all those challenges for the rest of their lives. And my father is one of them, he is often times met with controversy and challenge after challenge. And for those who truly know us, understand what is has taken for us to become who we are today.

I can say one thing for sure, usually those who I have met that have negative words, I usually ask them “where were you when I was sitting in an orphanage/foster home” I proceed to tell them “I would love to see you adopt even one child”. I think we can all agree that this is a Mitzvah that goes above and beyond many of our capabilities.

All this to say, regardless of how you think or feel, I’ve been with my father for over ten years through this whole journey, I’ve gained so many bothers and such an amazing family.

Today I ask all of you in honor of my fathers speedy recovery, to do a Mitzvah of kindness. Maybe reach out to your neighbor and wish them a goodnight or perhaps give to a charity of your choice, any act of kindness you can think. The next thing I want you to do is gather your family and tell each and everyone of them that you love them and how grateful you are that they are in your life, lastly my father has always had compassion for all the children who are awaiting a forever home, so from this point forward take a moment to remember the widow and the orphan in everyone of your prayers. Wishing you all peace and blessings!

Regards

Avshalom Cohen