About Us
Our Mission -
The Rav Shayele Foundation is a non-profit organization deeply motivated by the teachings and charitable spirit of Rav Shayale. In his time, Reb Shayele of Kerestir was famed for the lavish Melava Malka he organized each week. The meal lasted through the night and attracted both followers and the needy from far and wide. Reb Shayele personally oversaw the slaughtering of fresh meat each Motzaei Shabbos especially for this Melava Malka. Our mission is to ensure every family in our community has the chance to enjoy a warm, delicious pizza on Saturday night. In Jewish tradition, Melaveh Malka is a special meal that signifies the end of Shabbat, the day of rest, and the beginning of a new week. It's a cherished time for family gathering and a moment of joy, often accompanied by songs, stories, and good food. We honor Rav Shayele legacy by delivering these moments of warmth and satisfaction to families in need.
The heart of Rav Shayele Foundation is its dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly each week to deliver pizzas to these families. Through their efforts, we're not just delivering food—we're spreading joy, fostering community spirit, and carrying forward the legacy of Rav Shayele. However, our goal does not stop here. We aim to reach more families in need and to ensure that their Melaveh Malka is a moment filled with joy and fulfillment. We are committed to expanding our operations, and for that, we need your support.
We invite you to join our mission. When you donate to Rav Shayele Foundation, you're not just providing funds—you're creating moments of happiness for families in our community, giving them something to look forward to at the end of their Shabbat. Every donation helps us add more families to our expanding circle of care and joy. Your support allows us to continue Rav Shaye’le vision of a community that cares for its members—one pizza at a time.
R' Shayele's Legacy of Chesed Continued
Reb Shayele’s Story
Reb Yeshaya ben Reb Moshe (1851–1923)
Reb Yeshaya Steiner, famously known as Reb Shayele, came from Kerestirzt”l and was a revered figure in his time. He was celebrated not just for his profound spiritual connection, but also for his unwavering commitment to feeding the less fortunate.
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In his youth, Reb Shayele was a devoted aide to the holy Tzadik, Reb Hershel’e of Liskazt”l. He was deeply involved in charitable endeavors, particularly in distributing bread to the many who sought spiritual guidance from the Rebbe. There are tales of Reb Shayele continuing to hand out fresh rolls even when it seemed the supply had run out, hinting at the miraculous nature of his service.
As he matured, Reb Shayele's spiritual influence radiated from the town of Bodrogkeresztúr, commonly known as Kerestir, in Hungary. Here, he led and nurtured his community with immense holiness and dedication. A testament to his legacy is his humble abode at 65 Kossuth Utca, which, against all odds, withstood the devastations of World War II and the oppressive Hungarian communist regime. This house remains a symbol of his enduring spirit.
People from all walks of life were drawn to Reb Shayele. Some sought his blessings, hoping for a touch of the supernatural, while others were simply comforted by his genuine warmth and kindness. Regardless of their needs, Reb Shayale ensured that no one left his presence hungry. He was even known to personally serve food during significant religious observances, emphasizing his humility and care for others.
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Reb Shayele's compassion was evident until his very last moments. As he lay on his deathbed, rather than focusing on his own impending journey, he expressed concern for the well-being of those who would attend his funeral. He instructed his family to prepare ample food, ensuring that attendees would not suffer from hunger.
"There will be a large funeral here and many people will come from the surrounding towns and villages. Please prepare several large pots of food so that the people coming to my funeral should not go hungry.”
The physical departure of Reb Shayele did not dim his influence. A century after his passing, many still attest to experiencing miracles attributed to his name, especially when their acts of charity are done in his memory. Today, the Rav Shayele foundation aims to embody his legacy. By providing pizza to those in need our greatest hope is to walk in the footsteps of the Tzadik.
