Project Ezrah's 24th Annual Dinner Previewed on JM in the AM

JM in the AM. It's a Wednesday morning broadcast and our friends from Project Ezra are in our studio. Why? Because this coming Saturday night. Project Ezra gathers together at 8:00 at Congregation Keter Torah on Ror Avenue in Tene, New Jersey. It is their uh big dinner. It is the 20 Wow. 24 years. 24th annual dinner. And those of you not familiar with Project Ezra, you're going to enjoy the next few minutes when you hear about the incredible that's being done and what they're doing to help families out there. Uh among the honores on Saturday night, the RCBC, the rabbitic leadership group in Bergen County that's been so amazing for many decades that stuck a WhatsApp group. We'll find out what that means. Ari Ashkanaz and Simei Freeman responsible for their for the founding of that group. And Mia and Gavi Liowitz are going to be getting the care for the community award. Uh those are the honores for this coming Saturday night. Information you can go to uh you can go to what is the website folks? >> Ezra.org. >> Ezra.org. Ezra with an H. Ezra with an H.org. Or you could dial 2011569047. And both Rachel Critch and Donnie Simsky are in our studio on this Wednesday morning. Welcome both of you to JM in the AM. >> Thank you for having us. >> How's it going? So far, are we getting a good reception for Saturday night? >> Yeah, we're really excited. >> Are we SOLD OUT YET, RACHEL? >> WELL, WE always have room at Project Ezra. We always have room. >> The ROR Synagogue. It's a big one. There's plenty of space for everybody. >> It keeps growing like the base of MCDash as much as we need, but so everyone's always welcome. >> Are you happy with the choice of roster for the honores this year? Have they been attracting a lot of support? Yes or no? I couldn't be happier with our honores especially not only that who they're attracting but what they've done for the community. >> Well, let's start RCBC. I mean it it might be somewhat obvious to the Bergen County people but tell us about their relationship with Project Ezra. >> The RCBC to those who are not in Bergen County is the Bergen County VOD and we work so closely with Rebeam. Project Ezra cannot work in our community the way we work without such a close relationship. And while every year we do honor an individual rabbi, we felt it was important this year to share with the community how important the communal group of rebel are to our organization and supporting families not just in their spiritual needs but also in their financial theas and the spiritual. So really that is important to share and to showcase to the entire community of that relationship and how important they are to us. >> The rabbis often are the ones alerting you to the couples that are in financial distress. >> Absolutely. They're the first gateway to us often. Then the opposite way, you're often going to the rabbis to say, "Hey, we we're interested in possibly helping these people. Give us your evaluation of their situation." >> Exactly. Actually, we asked people who their rabbis are when they first reach out to us because that really is a key component to helping families. >> All right. So, the RCBC gets recognized Saturday night. It's stuck a WhatsApp group that we we mentioned the two founders. What's that all about? >> All right. A really exciting initiative started a few years ago by Arikenos and Sime Freriedman with We all are on WhatsApp. We're all on our phones all the time. Let's do something good with it. Every once in a while, not so once in a while anymore, an issue pops up that is more immediate or we do >> emergency situations >> emergent. We do longterm, you know, help for people, but an e situation like this that something a medical emergency so on. We need fast cash right away. We have hundreds over 800 people are on our WhatsApp group right now. Wow. A need comes up, we post the information in a very dignified, sterilized way. It's all been vetted by Project Ezra. >> Give me an example like someone needed what recently. >> So, an example. We had a a family who had a a metal a mental health crisis propped up very very out of the blue. We we saw a little bit of it coming, but then something happened. It triggered it. They needed to have therapy for an entire family immediately. >> And how much money did that mean that you needed to raise >> immediately? We needed to raise $6,500. >> How long did it take with the WhatsApp group to raise $6,500? >> 42 minutes. >> Under an hour. $100. >> It's It's unbelievable. If you're in a meeting or something like that and you get a WhatsApp, by the time you look at it, >> the money's pretty much raised. Like the the impact that it's having uh how quickly it goes, it it's really incredible. It is incredible. >> Raised over $600,000 in two years. It's really been amazing. We wanted to showcase this work and we want to get more people in the Watson group to see it. People give $18, $5. So, you can give 500. It doesn't matter. It all goes towards helping directly to a family who needs an immediate need. >> The third recognition uh Saturday night is Mia and Gabi Libo. They care for the community award. What could you tell us about them? >> Mia and Gabby are a great couple. They're a young couple, moved to the community relatively recently and jumped right into communal work with both feet. They joined our care for the community campaign this summer, which we also were here to discuss. And they gathered their entire neighborhood. Their neighborhood went from one of the least involved neighborhoods in the year before to one of the most involved neighborhoods this year. And we wanted to showcase their efforts at showing people you don't need to be here for 100 years. And you don't have to be the president of your or the biggest maker in town. You want to help, you see a need, jump in, do it, and make a huge difference. >> All right. Uh, so the dinner is Saturday night. Those of you who want to make reservations, esra.org, ezh.org. You could also call their office at 2011569-9047. Donnie Susky mentioned to me that uh over at Glad Express uh after your last visit, there were people from outside of Bergen County who reached out to you to literally pay off uh couples bills uh the credit that they have at the store. That must have been an interesting experience for you. >> Yeah, a few people uh reached out emailing um somehow got my cell phone number as well um just asking if they can help out. one from Muny, one from Lakewood, I believe the five towns. Um, just the reach is incredible. And I also wanted to thank you, by the way. I know you guys are doing your uh fun year. >> Yeah. To bringing us also just it's incredible. And I want to, you know, give a shout out to you. So, thank you so much. >> I appreciate that very much. And as I said to you off the air, we often get criticized for fundraising for others during our fundraiser, but I I feel the mission of this show has to continue even during the time that we're fundraising. So, we're hoping that the Project Ezra dinner is sold out and hopefully we can have a small little role in that. So, for those not familiar, because again, not everybody heard our conversation a few months back, the first step of Project Ezra is when a couple when leaders of a family are in a financial crisis, Ezra steps in to try to help them reorganize everything. Would that be the right way of putting? In other words, not throwing money at them immediately. They are trying to help them reorganize their finances. Yeah, absolutely. So, that's definitely part of it. We like to tell people and we pride ourselves we're the last money out. So, we try and get your life organized. We try and see what you can get from the government, different organizations, your shs, >> and then we're there to help. Um, and we're happy to help if we, you know, when the time is right. Rachel can speak more to the process there. >> Well, you've always said that the uh that half the battle is just having the couple consult with people who can help them with good budgeting and making smart decisions. And a lot of times, and I know this is going to sound crazy to some people, a lot of times couples are spending money on things they don't realize they don't have to or they don't realize that they don't need to spend in, you know, a a certain excess in certain areas. So, education is a big part of it. >> Yeah, education is a huge part of it. But also, we we find that people are not necessarily frivolous. There are some people who just don't know that there are different things you could do. They don't have the skill. >> They don't have the skills and that's something we're there to teach them. And sometimes things are just not adding up. And we really work with families on all of those complicated issues and how to build into making a better path forward. >> All right. Uh how many families are you helping right now? I mean it's around what now? >> Around at this very moment we're helping o over 200 couples families not necessarily couples largeies. >> But that's a significant percentage of Bergen County. >> But that's only this moment. We've graduated many families throughout the year as well. So we've helped close to 500 families this year alone. And you've told us in the past that there are proudly many success stories. I mean people who are really back on their feet after going through project Ezra. >> We have oh so many success stories. So many people who that who are receive assistance from us and then are the ones who provide assistance to others very soon after that. >> Right. So it's a good system in place and obviously you have the cooperation of the rabbis of the community and community leaders in general. You also have vendors. I know they've been helpful. Right. In addition to Glad Express, there are other vendors who are helpful in this whole thing when they can pitch in, right? I mean it's a it seems like a really good network of people that are helping out. >> It's incredible network. Everyone in the community if you either own a store, if you have a business, if accountants, dentists, everybody can do something and can give something and everybody wants to. It's most one of the most giving communities I've ever been part of. >> 24th annual dinner for Project Ezra is this coming Saturday night. You are expecting a big crowd. Thank God. >> Yes, we are. >> But there's still time for people to make reservations. >> Always time. Always time. It's happening at Congregation Keter Torah on Romer Avenue in Tene, New Jersey with many distinguished honores as we spoke about and you can get information by going to esra.org ezh.org or by dialing 2011-569047. All right, Donnie, now we're going to put you on the hot seat. Okay. What are we doing about the price? Not in your store, but I'm saying in general, what are we doing about the prices of Susanote around the world? I mean, have you seen what's going on? Do you know that there are certain stores in Brooklyn where people are paying $12 a donut? Are you aware of this? >> I am aware. I I understand it. I don't understand it. There's a market. It's people are going to, you know, um yeah, it's craziness, but you can still get your dollar $2 donuts, too, you know. >> No, that does exist. >> That exists still. Yeah. >> A dozen for 12 bucks is possible. >> A dozen for whatever. >> A little bit of a stretch. Maybe not this time of year. >> So, that's that's quite an industry. And uh we're probably going to see donuts like we've never seen before cuz every year they seem to need to step it up, right? And create something even bigger, better, and more, you know, more colorful, so to speak. >> We're going to have acai donuts. Uh the Dubai donuts are super popular. All that type of stuff. Yeah. >> Are you going to have some of those? >> So, we are doing a pop-up shop with Tom Aiden Bakery at Lazy Bean. >> Holy cow. >> Starting Sunday. Yeah. Tons. 18 different flavors. Dairy. >> Tom Eden. It's got quite a reputation. >> Yeah. Good reputation. A lot of fillings. So you're not getting uh probably the most expensive about $5. So not >> And when does that happen? >> Starting Sunday. >> And meaning the whole week or not? >> Whole week. Yeah. Every day. >> Right here. >> Yep. Right here. So get your stretchy pants ready. >> I was going to say, what are you trying to do to me? My cardiologist is going to be on your case. >> You should come in. We'll do a sampling of all the donuts. Let's do a taste test. >> We'll do a sampling. After the second one, I think I'll be finished. >> No, no, no. You got this. I have faith in you. >> Think so? I don't know if I can get through 10 or 12 donuts, but we'll see what happens. All right. So, that's cool. that's happening right here and people will be able to enjoy that. And someone asked you walking in here, someone asked you about the lotkas. I mean, can one make a good to go lotka or must it be done in the kitchen by the the man or woman of the house on the spot at the Hanukkah party? >> No, you definitely can make a good lock. Yeah. Oh, yeah. >> We can walk out of Glad Express with a good solid lock that I can warm up and put some applesauce on and enjoy. >> Absolutely, 100%. >> I'm going to hold you to that. >> Me, too. Whatever seasoning you need, I can make it for you. You know, a little salt, not salt. This you tell me what you want. >> I'm trying to think what other items. Obviously, sufani ode and lotkas. I assume you have chocolate coins. I hope. >> A lot of chocolate coins. >> I mean, some guilt, so to speak. Uh, what else would be in the store like yours? Would that be it? Those are the three items exclusively for Kaneka. >> Yeah, they started making these um Kaneka houses too, a few years ago. Um, kind of like the gingerbread house, but in the Kaneka version. Icing I've seen kids do it. It's fun. Yeah, a lot of fun. a lot of fun activities and glitter this, wax stuff, a lot of arts and crafts, games. >> And I noticed in your ad, >> you're featuring a lot of dairy and the fish items. >> And I don't know, when I was growing up, I don't think it was like that, but now it does seem that people do skew closer to the fish and dairy meals for the Hanukkah celebrations than the meat meals. >> Yeah. Well, you got the sour cream that they want on the lacas and stuff, so people are drifting that way. Uh, but we got everything, you know, >> and you got but the and the frozen fish and all that, you know. >> Yeah. I was paying careful attention to this week's ad. I don't always do that. >> Wait for this week. >> Oh, is it gonna appear again with more Hanukkah stuff? >> We do a special every year for 20 lakas and two buckets of fried chicken for $50. >> 20 pieces of fried chicken. >> There goes my dairy. >> So, we're all about we're jumping into the oil, the fried stuff. You know, you walk in, it's going to feel a little greasy in the store. And you're saying if someone takes that from your takeout section by the time they get home they will still be happy with the crispness and the quality of that that I'm going to test you on >> cuz I'm married to a fried chicken expert and we'll see what Mrs. Seagull has to say about that when I shle at home with te I'll hook you up. You don't know. >> I appreciate that. Yes, Rachel. >> The Critch family gets this special every year for you. We switched from dairy to flakes just for this. I I like the idea and we're going to see if in fact um the reputation holds up. We'll check that out this Kaneka and if someone has a Drrele emergency have any of those hanging in the store. >> You got Dreles in the store as well? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> What's going on? You're like Kaneka sent everything. You know >> this is a lot express we're talking about. >> I need you to carry some of the Israeli na haya podreles. That's what I need. >> That we don't have but >> I know nobody seems to have them. That's what I need. >> Big mover here. We got not a big mover is right, but I need to continue to theme that the future of the Jewish peoples in the state of Israel. Look at that. Even in a supermarket could help me with that. Okay. >> Let's work on that for next year is right. Maybe we'll find someone who who can import those. All right. So, there you go everybody. And if you want to speak with Donnie Suski seriously about having a role in paying off people's bills or giving Stucka in that fashion or even buying gift cards that you would then distribute to Project Ezra clients, you could do that. And obviously uh Rachel encourages everybody as do I to be there Saturday night. Uh pay tribute to the honores and support the work of project Ezra starts at 8:00 congregation Keter Torah. Go to eszra.org.org for all the information. Anything you'd like to add about all this. >> I just want to say thank you again for having us and sharing our story. >> A pleasure. And I uh I'm always impressed by the incredible growth of the organization. I know that you don't want it to grow. You'd prefer that people wouldn't be in these situations, but hey, you got a proven track record here. you know, you started out just, you know, with a few few clients and now, you know, families by the hundreds are benefiting from uh from your work. So, Bar Hashem for that. >> Thank you. >> And happy Kaneka to you. >> Happy Kaneka. >> Happy Kaneka to you. >> Make sure to spin the proper drrele if you don't mind. >> Absolutely. >> And a pleasure to have you here at JM Project Ezra, everybody. The dinner is Saturday night. Go to esra.org and make sure to make a reservation. And if you do want to participate, you could go to the website and get information about participating in any way, shape, or form and joining that WhatsApp group that we discussed, etc., etc. Just go to eszra.org and everything is there for you to follow up with. And again, we highly recommend you being at the dinner on Saturday night because you will be inspired. More coming up. You're listening to JM and the AM.