About Us – Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes Zibenbergen Charity Fund
Our History
The Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes Zibenbergen Charity Fund has been serving the Jewish community for nearly two centuries, since its founding in 1824. The charity was established in the holy cities of Siebenburgen (today’s Romania and part of Hungary) by leading Gedoilim such as Rabbi Yechezkel Pannet, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, and other great disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. The goal of the fund was to strengthen the settlement in the Holy Land and to uphold the holiness of Eretz Yisrael, with a special focus on providing for the poor and those in need.
The founders of the charity were inspired by the teachings of the great rabbinic authorities, including the Beis Yosef, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, and other great Tzadikim. They recognized the immense power of charity to protect the Jewish people and sustain our souls. Through the years, the charity has remained a central and vital part of the Jewish community, supporting the most vulnerable among us.
Our Mission
For more than 200 years, the Rabbi Meir Bel Hanes Zibenbergen Charity Fund has remained dedicated to supporting the poor and needy of Eretz Yisrael. From the very beginning, it has stood out as one of the most revered and respected charity funds, held in the highest esteem across Jewish communities worldwide. The first president, Rabbi Yechezkel Medesh, and the first collector, Rabbi Moshe Mauhel, traveled far and wide—visiting city after city, village after village—to collect funds for this holy cause.
After the devastation of the Second World War, the charity was reorganized and reinvigorated, ensuring its continued strength and vitality under the leadership of Reb Yoel M’satmar z”l . Today, the Rabbi Meir Bel Hanes Zibenbergen Charity Fund continues its sacred mission to support the Jewish people in Israel and beyond, contributing to the growth and prosperity of our community.
Our Impact
Throughout its long history, this charity has played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the original Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael, the “היישוב היישן.” It has supported the construction of synagogues, yeshivos and communal institutions, while also providing direct aid to those in need. The impact of this charity can be seen not only in the physical structures it has helped build but also in the lives it has touched—saving countless souls and ensuring the continued growth of our people.
Even today, the Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes Zibenbergen Charity Fund’s legacy is seen in the lives of those it has helped. From moments of simcha to times of difficulty, this charity continues to provide salvation, healing, and success to those who need it most.
A Generational Legacy
Our volunteers of the charity comes from a long line of families who have been deeply involved with the fund for generations. Their parents and grandparents have not only donated large sums to the charity but have also taken active roles in raising funds and ensuring its success. This family’s commitment to the charity is a shining example of the generational continuity of tzedakah, as passed down from one generation to the next, strengthening the legacy of Rabbi Meir Bel Hanes Zibenbergen.
This ongoing tradition of giving reflects the deep connection that Jewish families, in London, Manchester, and communities around the world, feel toward this sacred fund. It’s a legacy that continues to grow stronger with each passing generation.
Join Us in Our Mission
We invite you to join us in continuing this holy work, just as our forefathers did. By supporting the Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes Zibenbergen Charity Fund, you’re helping to ensure that this tradition of giving continues and that the legacy of Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes Zibenbergen lives on for future generations. Your support can make a significant impact in the lives of those in need, ensuring that the spirit of charity, tzedakah, and unity remains a cornerstone of our community.
The trustees
of THE RABBI MEIR BAAL HANESS
AHAVAS ZION – KOLLEL SIEBENBURGEN TRUST
