The Keren HaShana Fund was established by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in 1953 (Shabbos Bereishis 5714). Its purpose is to ensure that tzedakah is given on your behalf every single day of the year. With one annual contribution, the Fund distributes charity twice daily, bringing blessing and protection continuously throughout the year.
The Rebbe explained that Tishrei is the “general month” that influences the entire year, and the mitzvah of tzedakah is the channel through which all Divine blessings are drawn down. By arranging that tzedakah is given daily—without interruption—the Fund guarantees a constant flow of blessing, both materially and spiritually, for all who participate.
No. The Rebbe emphasized that the mitzvah of tzedakah belongs to every Jew, everywhere. Keren HaShana is open to all.
Tzedakah is compared to daily nourishment—just as the body needs food each day, the soul needs the merit of tzedakah daily. The Rebbe highlighted that every single day must have its own act of tzedakah, which sustains a constant flow of kindness, protection, and blessing.
Yes. The Fund acts as your agent (shliach), ensuring your contribution is distributed every single day. The Rebbe explained that this fulfills the mitzvah of daily tzedakah exactly as if you had given it by hand.
Yes. Your contribution may be counted toward maaser, as it is a charitable donation. For individual guidance, consult your rabbi.
Yes. Contributions can be made in honor of a loved one, in memory of a relative, or for blessings of health, livelihood, children, and more.
Yes. The Rebbe encouraged giving for each child, so they too are included in the daily merit of tzedakah.
There is a link on MyKerenHashana.com to download a PDF of the inaugural sicha from Shabbos Bereishis 5714 in both Hebrew and English. You can read the Rebbe’s own words about this unique initiative, which the Rebbe explained draws down G‑d’s blessings for the entire year.
The Rebbe suggested giving one share per day of the year. For the upcoming year, 5786, there are 354 days. Many people choose to give in multiples—one share for each family member.
Yes. The Rebbe strongly encouraged including family, friends, and loved ones so that they too benefit from daily blessings.
Yes. Dedications are welcome. You can note this when making your contribution.
Yes. Many people give Keren HaShana in honor of milestones, weddings, or other simchas.
You can always add additional shares later in the year.
There is no maximum. Any contribution is meaningful. The standard is based on the number of days in the year, but every amount counts toward the mitzvah of tzedakah.
Yes. Installment options are available while still ensuring daily distribution of your contribution.
The Rebbe urged joining at the earliest possible time—ideally before Rosh Hashanah—so the year begins with the flow of daily tzedakah. Still, you can join anytime.
The Rebbe explained that participation brings blessing not only from the day you join, but retroactively from the beginning of the year—just as in the times of the Beis Hamikdash, when late contributions to the Half-Shekel still counted toward earlier communal offerings.
In a Jewish leap year, there are more days in the calendar, and the suggested contribution simply adjusts to reflect that year’s total.
Contributions are distributed twice daily and support a wide range of charitable, educational, and social service projects. These include holiday assistance grants, organizational support, and emergency aid to Shluchim and Jewish families worldwide. All contributions are merged together, just as in the times of the Beis Hamikdash when every Jew’s half-shekel was combined into one communal fund. This way, each participant shares equally in every distribution and becomes a partner in a global network of goodness.
No. The Rebbe stressed the importance of all contributions being pooled together and then distributed, so every participant gains from the full breadth of tzedakah given.
Since 1953, the Fund has faithfully operated under the Rebbe’s guidance, distributing contributions twice daily—before Shacharis and Mincha. All donations are held in trust and pooled together, ensuring that every participant shares equally in each distribution. By participating, you become part of an unbroken chain of giving that has continued for over 70 years, fulfilling the Rebbe’s directive of daily tzedakah and creating a continuous flow of blessing for all involved.
Yes. Periodic reports and updates are shared with participants, highlighting how contributions provide holiday assistance, organizational support, and emergency aid to Shluchim and Jewish families worldwide.
Thousands of Jews worldwide take part in Keren HaShana every year, joining together in the daily mitzvah of tzedakah.
You can contribute online at MyKerenHashana.com or by mail. Specify how many shares you would like, and the Fund will arrange the daily distribution for you.
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Bank Transfer, DAF Checks, and bank checks.
Yes. A tax-deductible receipt is issued.
Yes, in the United States contributions are tax-deductible. Outside the U.S., consult your local tax advisor.
Yes, you can update or add to your contribution at any time through the website.
Yes. MyKerenHashana.com uses secure, encrypted payment systems to protect your information.
Yes. Installment plans are available. You can choose the “Monthly” option to pay in installments.
That’s wonderful. The Rebbe encouraged both personal giving and participation in Keren HaShana. Your personal acts of tzedakah are enhanced by the continuous, collective giving of the Fund.
You can join again anytime. Each year is its own opportunity, and the mitzvah is just as precious whenever you participate.
