{UPDATE: The actual chess lessons took place today at Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem – see here – https://www.facebook.com/pg/chaiyanu.israel/posts/?ref=page_internal}

{Donation link is here – https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/15400 – and below too.}

In the run-up to the launch of “FRANK KUTNICKI’S CHESS CORNER“ – under the  proverbial wings of Chaiyanu/Chai Lifeline’s Jerusalem umbrella – many thoughts have been (and still are) swirling inside this head. Mind you, “some” may be inclined to raise their eyebrows at the prospect of these wheels turning, knowing that when said laser focus zeroes in on this and that, well….

Be that as it may, the aforementioned thoughts revolve around ways in which this (unique and first-time) program can best serve the needs of children who are suffering from cancer and other devastating illnesses. As excerpted on February 18, 2019:

Overarchingly, it is my utmost hope and prayer that “FRANK KUTNICKI’S CHESS CORNER” will bring a bit of comfort, relief, normalcy, and distraction to the most vulnerable of all, the kiddies, as they undergo a host of frightening and painful rounds of cancer treatment(s). As a knock-on effect, it may become a fun activity and inspiring too. Who knows, chess may become a lifelong passion, as it was for the program’s namesake.

So, as a kick-start, my initial (and ongoing) charitable contribution will be targeted towards two clear benchmarks. Of course, this program will conform to Israel’s non-profit (AKA amuta/עמותה) guidelines. The following are said benchmarks, however, they can be augmented, if circumstances warrant:

• Firstly, a suitably patient (that would exclude me – admittedly, a “Type A” personality, even if I knew how to play and lived nearby!) Chess teacher will be hired. This professional will initiate the lessons at Shaare Zedek Hospital. The goal is to make it available at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, once the program gets off the ground. Both are located in the heart of Jerusalem, and in close proximity to Chai Lifeline’s headquarters in Israel.
• In tandem, a few informal gatherings will be planned for the “students” to show off their newly acquired “skillz.” Meanwhile, they will compete for prizes/trophies, just like their peers who are not undergoing treatment.

More pointedly…..

In concert, as this project progresses, timeless words of wisdom from Judaism’s texts are coming to the forefront of my mind. As such, passages from Chapter 3 within the book of Kohelet AKA Ecclesiastes (written by King Solomon, 450-200 BCE), one of 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, are particularly resonant.  

1Everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven.

אלַכֹּ֖ל זְמָ֑ן וְעֵ֥ת לְכָל־חֵ֖פֶץ תַּ֥חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם:

2A time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot that which is planted.

בעֵ֥ת לָלֶ֖דֶת וְעֵ֣ת לָמ֑וּת עֵ֣ת לָטַ֔עַת וְעֵ֖ת לַֽעֲק֥וֹר נָטֽוּעַ:

4A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time of wailing and a time of dancing.

דעֵ֤ת לִבְכּוֹת֙ וְעֵ֣ת לִשְׂח֔וֹק עֵ֥ת סְפ֖וֹד וְעֵ֥ת רְקֽוֹד:

Indeed, it is at this juncture that it should be emphasized: the game of chess teaches children important life skills – some of which can be applied during highly challenging times.

• Chess teaches strategy and this creates thinking about two or three moves in advance instead of focusing only on what the next move of your chess piece will be. This changes the usual concentration of only thinking about what is going to happen in the next five seconds. This instructs children to look beyond the first move and the immediate future. This is an enhancement to their planning skills.

• Chess is a healthy distraction from present trauma that children may be experiencing. If her parents are going through a hostile divorce or if she has witnessed extreme violence, concentrating on chess will provide a meaningful respite from the pain that surrounds her life. Chess will teach them that they have a choice of distancing themselves from their agony through healthy means such as chess or unhealthy escapes like drugs and alcohol.

Alas, it is with all of the above (and so much more) in mind that I invite the public to support this most worthy project. By the act of clicking here (https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/15400), this program will “go from strength to strength”….as it is written in Psalm 84:8…יֵלְכוּ, מֵחַיִל אֶל-חָיִל .

On a practical level, those in the U.S. who wish to contribute are able to deduct said donation via Chai Lifeline’s U.S. status as a non-profit 501 (c) (3), and  through its reciprocal tax exemption agreement with Israeli non-profits/amutot. 

According to the U.S. Israel Income Tax Treaty, U.S. donors may deduct contributions to Israeli charities as long as the charitable organization would have qualified for exemption according to U.S. standards. Article 15A of the Protocol to U.S. Israel Income Tax Treaty is the supporting document.

In furtherance thereof…..

Chaiyanu/Chai Lifeline Israel provides comprehensive emotional and social support to Israeli families living with pediatric illness.

Our mission is to give ill children and their families whatever they need to thrive during the long months and years from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, and beyond. Partnering with medical centers and hospitals throughout the country, Chaiyanu/Chai Lifeline Israel ensures that children and families have the necessities of life, activities to escape the ever-present stress of living under the threat of war, and opportunities for pure enjoyment and family fun.

Since incorporation in 1988, the mission of Chai Lifeline, Inc. (“Chai Lifeline”) has been to restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended when life-threatening or lifelong illness was diagnosed. Through programs that address the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities, Chai Lifeline restores normalcy to family life, and better enables families to withstand the crises and challenges of serious pediatric illness. Chai Lifeline has been granted exemption from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code and has been held to be a publicly supported organization, and not a private foundation under Section 509(a). Chai Lifeline is supported primarily by contributions and special event revenues.

Most significantly, leaving aside the personal connection to the formation of this first-time project (housed at an exemplary, blessed, and well established international non-profit), the fact is that the beneficiaries will be those who, in their young lives, face challenges that even adults would find more than daunting. Frightening.

Thus, for the sake of these courageous kiddies, no donation is too small – or, for that matter, too large!

L’chaim. To Life. And, to the success of “FRANK KUTNICKI’S CHESS CORNER” – under the proverbial wings of Chaiyanu/Chai Lifeline in Jerusalem!