A friend of mine, with a heart so wide open that it has no closure, is in a bind. He is the kind of man that you will meet in shul with a wide smile and a backslap. He’s the kind of person you wouldn’t know the difference whether he’s talking to a philanthropist, or to the nebach of the shul. He is a smart man. The kind of man that you would trust his business advice and life smarts.

And now he is in a bind so tight, its threatening to choke the man that knows no bounds. He’s found himself in a debt that’s a ditch, and as he’s trying to dig himself out, he’s falling even deeper. He’s a smart man, and he knows all his options. However, when money is the solution, and you have none, your options are null.

He is a proud man. He is proud of supporting his family and works hard at it. He established his life accordingly, filling his high aspirations and dreams into the equation. He always assured he can support his family throughout. But when life threw him a financial curveball, it hit him straight it the face. My friend would never ask you for money, therefore we, his friends, ask you to help him.

The situation is dire. Not only is there no money to buy food for Shabbos, but there is also nowhere to borrow from. Poverty is choking the household. Leaving a family that could be set back on track with some help, gasping for breath.

We can get him back on his feet, help him out of a ditch, and return him to being the proud breadwinner of his family. His smile will stay on his face always and will reach my heart. Can you help me help him, so his own smile should reach his own heart as well?