Every Child Matters: Keeping Shua’s Light Shining

This Monday marks the sixth yahrtzeit of Shua Kaminker a"h. "Shua was only eight years old when he passed after a courageous fight with cancer. But when we remember him, we don't first think of the illness. We think of his smile, his determination, his love of learning, and the joy he brought to everyone around him."

By Chaim Ber Kaminker

This Monday marks the sixth yahrtzeit of our beloved son, Shua Kaminker a”h.

Not a day goes by without thinking of him.

Shua was only eight years old when he passed after a courageous fight with cancer. But when we remember him, we don’t first think of the illness. We think of his smile, his determination, his love of learning, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
He loved school.
He loved his teachers.
He loved his friends.
He loved being part of a community that cared about him and believed in him.
Like every child, Shua thrived when surrounded by people who saw his potential and invested in his future. The warmth, encouragement, and sense of belonging he experienced through Jewish education left a deep impression on our family.

After his passing, we asked ourselves a hard question:

What about children who lack that support?

What about families struggling to keep their children in Jewish schools?
What about parents desperately searching for guidance, resources, or simply someone to listen and help?
From these questions, Keren Yeshua was born.
Over the past years, Keren Yeshua has quietly become a lifeline for families facing educational, emotional, and financial challenges. To date, we have helped more than 40 families and impacted over 70 students across Chabad communities and beyond.

But Keren Yeshua is not about numbers.
It is about children.
It is about a teen struggling to find the right yeshiva.
It is about a child needing advocacy and support.
It is about a worried mother who doesn’t know where to turn.
It is about a family desperately trying to keep their child connected to Jewish education despite overwhelming financial pressures.

Every child matters.

What many don’t see is what happens behind the scenes.

A single case can involve countless hours of conversations, meetings, research, advocacy, and follow-up. We work closely with parents, schools, rabbanim, therapists, educational consultants, and community leaders to understand each child’s unique needs and help chart a path forward.
The investment for each student goes well beyond financial aid.

Every child has a unique story.
Every child has unique strengths.
Every child faces different challenges.
Helping them requires patience, experience, creativity, and genuine care.

Over the years, every family we have helped has taught us something new. Every student has deepened our understanding of the challenges facing Jewish children today. Every case has strengthened our relationships with schools, professional educators, mental health providers, and community organizations.

These relationships become resources.
These resources become opportunities.

And these opportunities help the next child who reaches out for help.

In this way, every student we assist not only benefits personally but also helps us build the knowledge, partnerships, and support systems needed to help many others in the future.
Today, many families are still waiting.

Parents continue to seek guidance, advocacy, emotional support, educational resources, and financial help. Some are trying to find the right school. Others are struggling to keep their children enrolled. Many just need someone who understands their situation and can guide them.

The need is real.
And it is growing.
As we approach Shua’s sixth yahrtzeit, we remember that though his life was too short, his impact continues to grow in ways we never imagined.
Every child remaining in school.
Every family finding hope.
Every student discovering potential.
Every educational opportunity that is preserved.
These are the living chapters of Shua’s legacy.

The best tribute we can give to Shua’s memory isn’t just words. It’s helping another child learn, grow, and succeed.
In honor of Shua and his yahrtziet, we invite you to join that mission.

Your support allows Keren Yeshua to stand beside families during their toughest times. It helps us provide guidance, advocacy, resources, and financial aid to children who might otherwise be left behind.

Together, we can help another child stay in school.
Together, we can help another family find hope.

Together, we can ensure more children receive the opportunities, encouragement, and Jewish education they deserve.
Because every child matters.
And every child is a world.

To support Keren Yeshua and continue Shua’s legacy, please consider donating today.

To partner with Keren Yeshua, please visit. If you know a family or student who could use assistance, please have them contact director@kerenyeshua.org

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