Creative crafts help the elderly in Israel: Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old

In Jerusalem, there is a wonderful place where over 300 elderly and disabled residents make beautiful crafts of all kinds.  It is called Yad LaKashish, which means "Lifeline for the Old."
 

Most participants in the program are immigrants from lands including the Former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, and South America. Many of them have no prior experience in creative endeavors, and learn new skills at the center.  Despite language differences, they find a connection through their art.
 

Different crafts are set up as workshops.  These include knitting, crochet, and embroidery, as well as silk screening, ceramics, and paper creations. The activities in the various modalities are broken down so  there is something fulfilling for each participant.
 

Yad LaKashish has a gift shop with lots of tempting products.  Approximately 30% of their budget comes from sales of the lovely handmade items.  Shopping is available online as well as at the store in Israel. 

Yad LaKashish is located directly in back of Safra Square, the City Hall complex in the center of Jerusalem at 14 Shivtei Israel Street.  During their free tours, visitors can enter the workshops and interact with the crafters.  It is an interesting and inspiring place.
 

At the gift store, shoppers can find knitted toys, baby blankets and booties.  There are crocheted items, home decorations, metal work, cards, wall hangings and more.  Judaic items abound including kippot, talitt, candle holders, and mezuzot.

The center does not receive any government funding.  Support comes from sales in the gift shop and from private donations.  Workers at the center receive monthly bus passes, breakfast., lunch, a stipend, and subsidies for dental care and eyeglass purchases.

There are so many advantages to knitting for everyone.  The activities at Yad LaKashish are a great example.  By providing a community where their hands can create beautiful products, the elderly feel respected and useful.